A Federal High Court sitting in Warri has directed the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, to present the detained President General of Ewu Kingdom, Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo, before the court on September 30, 2025.
The court, presided over by Justice H. A. Ngajiwa, issued the order during Monday’s proceedings on the bail application filed on behalf of Prof. Ekpekpo by his legal counsel, Dr. Jonathan Ekperusi.
The suit, filed by representatives of the Okuama community, seeks the release of several community leaders detained by the military in connection with the killing of 17 soldiers during a 2024 operation in the Okuama area of Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State.
Justice Ngajiwa, in the ruling, stated, “Having considered the circumstances of this case, an order is hereby made compelling the third and fifth respondents to produce the first applicant, Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo, before this honourable court on the next adjourned date.”
The court also instructed that the order be served on the Attorney-General of the Federation, who is named as the second respondent in the matter.
Other community leaders arrested between August 18 and 20, 2024, include Pa James Oghoroko (Okuama Community President General), Pa Dennis Okugbaye (Treasurer), Chief Belvis Adogbo, Pa Anthony Ahwemuria, and Mrs. Rita Akata.
According to reports, Pa Oghoroko died while in military custody on December 4, 2024, while Pa Okugbaye collapsed during detention and was subsequently hospitalized.
The arrests followed a military invasion of the Okuama community, which led to mass displacement. Most residents sought refuge in an internally displaced persons camp set up by the Delta State Government in Ewu.
Speaking to the media, Dr. Ekperusi emphasized the urgency of the matter:
“Our clients have been held for nearly a year without trial. The continued detention without proper arraignment or access to justice undermines their fundamental human rights. We are urging the military to comply with this order.”
The Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, had yet to respond to calls or messages as of the time of filing this report.
Meanwhile, Senator Ede Dafinone, who represents Delta Central Senatorial District, had earlier condemned the prolonged detention of the community leaders.
In a December 2024 statement following the reported death of Pa Oghoroko, the lawmaker called for their immediate release or arraignment in a civil court.
“The military must either charge these individuals before a competent court or release them unconditionally. Prolonged detention without due process is unacceptable in a democracy,” Dafinone said.
The case is expected to continue on September 30, when the military is mandated to present Prof. Ekpekpo in court for the hearing of his bail application.
