Release the Okuama Detainees, The Nigerian Army Is Defying a Federal High Court Order

Petition addressed to: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria & Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Aso Rock Villa, Presidential Complex, Abuja, FCT, Nigeria

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On August 18 to 20, 2024, the Nigerian Army arrested community leaders from Okuama, Ughelli South LGA, Delta State, following the killing of 17 soldiers in the area. No charges have ever been filed. No evidence has been presented in any court. No access to lawyers, doctors, or family has been permitted.
The detainees are civilians: Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo, Professor of Physics at Delta State University; Chief Belvis Adogbo; Dennis Amalaka; and Mrs. Mabel Owhemu.
One detainee, Pa James Oghoroko, the 80-year-old community president, has died in military custody. His body has not been returned to his family for burial.
In June 2025, the Federal High Court in Warri issued a production order directing the Nigerian Army to bring the detainees before the court. The army has defied this order at five consecutive hearings. The next hearing is May 19, 2026.
Under Section 35 of Nigeria's 1999 Constitution, no person may be held without charge beyond 48 hours. These civilians have been detained for over 600 days with no charge, no trial, and no explanation.
We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as Commander-in-Chief, to direct the army to obey the court order immediately. Produce the detainees in court on May 19, 2026, or release them unconditionally.