Okuama Five in Army Costody: UK-Based Nigerian Urges the International Community to Speak for the Oppressed
By Ovie Edomi
London, United Kingdom – A United Kingdom-based Nigerian, Olorogun Ovo Agbodje, has appealed to the United Kingdom, Nigeria’s colonial master to speak for the oppressed people of Nigeria and equally appealed to the international community to prevail upon the Nigerian government—under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu—to direct the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, to either release Professor Arthur Ekpekpo and other innocent indigenes of Okuama currently held by the Nigerian Army since August 18, 2024, or charge them in a court of law in accordance with democratic principles and constitutional due process.
Speaking from London, Olorogun Agbodje stated: “By now, the Nigerian Army ought to have concluded its investigations. If there are any allegations against Professor Ekpekpo and the others detained in Port Harcourt, they should be charged and arraigned in court. Continued detention without trial constitutes a serious violation of their constitutional rights.” Also, he lamented: “Despite widespread public outcry and repeated calls for the release of Professor Arthur Ekpekpo—a respected academician and President General of the Eghwu Development Union, Mr. Bevis Adogbo, Ms. Mabel Ohwemu and Mr. Denis Okugbaye —the Nigerian Army has remained silent. Even after Justice Jonathan Ekperusi of the Federal High Court ordered the Army to produce Professor Ekpekpo in court, the military has neither complied nor issued any public statement. If there is a case to answer, due process must be followed. Arbitrary detention has no place in a democratic society—it echoes the dark days of military rule.” Olorogun Agbodje further highlighted the legal relevance of Suit No: FHC/WR/CS/42/2024, between the Federal Government and Professor Ekpekpo and others, scheduled for hearing next month. He warned that the case is already drawing international attention, especially with reports that Mr. James Oghoroko, one of the detained individuals, has died in military custody.In expressing appreciation to the legal team handling the matter, Olorogun Agbodje urged the Urhobo people and all well-meaning Nigerians to stand for justice—especially in defense of innocent lives.
He equally commended Senator Ede Dafinone, Hon. Francis Waive, the Urhobo Renaissance Society (URS), and other Urhobo groups for their continued advocacy.He also made special mention of the distinguished legal professionals offering their services pro bono in this critical case, led by; Chief Albert Akpomudje, SAN, Prof Joseph Abugu, SAN and others. Olorogun Agbodje, an illustrious and prominent Urhobo Chief known for advocacy of Human Rights concluded with a call for justice, accountability, and the upholding of human rights, urging both domestic voices and the international community not to remain silent in the face of injustice.