By Sunday Apah
In a passionate plea to the highest office in the land, Olorogun Samuel Oghotomo, the National Assistant Secretary of the Urhobo Progress Union and National President of the Urhobo Youth Leaders Association, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently intervene and secure the release of six Okuama Community leaders unlawfully held by the Nigerian Army for almost two years.
In his New year message with selected journalists on Saturday, January 3, 2026, Oghotomo deplored the ongoing detention of the Okuama six—including Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo, Chief Belvis Adogbo, Mr. James Oghoroko (who tragically died in custody), Mr. Dennis Okugbaye, Mr. Dennis Amalaka, and Mrs. Mabel Owhemu—whose arrest dates back to August 18 and 19, 2024.
He revealed alarming reports that the detainees have been denied access to doctors, lawyers, and even their families, raising serious concerns about their health and human rights.
“The relentless incarceration of these community leaders without trial is an affront to Nigeria’s democracy and a blatant mockery of the rule of law,” Oghotomo asserted.
He slammed the Nigerian Army for “grossly violating constitutional guarantees that protect human dignity and the right to a fair hearing.”
Oghotomo’s anguish deepened as he recounted the death of Mr. James Oghoroko in custody, a grim testament to the perilous conditions endured by those detained. “This heartbreaking loss intensifies fears over the wellbeing of the remaining detainees,” he said.
He further urged President Tinubu to leverage his authority to prevail on military leadership for the immediate release of the Okuama leaders, emphasizing that “no prima facie evidence exists to justify their prolonged detention.”
He noted that his appeal also underscored the critical need to cement peace and unity among the Urhobo, Ijaw, and Itsekiri communities in Delta State—a fragile harmony he believes will be shattered if justice remains denied.
Meanwhile, he encouraged Deltans to continue rallying behind Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, commending the governor’s administration for driving unprecedented development since assuming office.
