A human rights lawyer and civil society leader, Frank Tietie, has called on the Federal Government and military authorities to either formally charge or immediately release several detainees from the Okuama community in Delta State, who have reportedly been held without trial since 2024.
In a press statement issued Wednesday in Abuja, Tietie described the prolonged detention as a “flagrant violation” of constitutional rights, warning that it undermines Nigeria’s commitment to the rule of law.
Tietie listed several individuals allegedly held without formal charges, including Professor Arthur Ekpekpo, Chief Belvis Adogbo, Dennis Amalaka, and Mabel Owhemu. He also referenced reports that one detainee, James Achovwuko Oghoroko, died in military custody, while another, Pa Dennis Okugbaye, was released on health grounds after reportedly falling critically ill.
According to Tietie, the continued detention of these individuals without arraignment breaches provisions of the Nigerian Constitution guaranteeing personal liberty and fair hearing.
The arrests are believed to be linked to the violent Okuama–Okoloba crisis in Delta State, where tensions between communities escalated into a deadly confrontation. The incident gained national attention following the killing of soldiers during a military operation in the area.
In response, security forces reportedly carried out arrests of community leaders and residents, raising concerns among civil society groups about due process and potential human rights violations.
Call for Rule of Law
While acknowledging the gravity of allegations surrounding the killing of Nigerian Army personnel, Tietie insisted that due process must be followed.
“If there is credible evidence, charge them to court. Anything less is arbitrariness,” he stated.
He warned that indefinite detention based on suspicion or association erodes public trust in government institutions and threatens democratic governance.
Appeal to Authorities
Tietie called on key figures, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, military authorities, and prominent Niger Delta leader Government Ekpemupolo, to intervene.
He urged that the detainees either be released immediately or brought before a competent court without further delay.
Ethnic and Legal Dimensions
Tietie also noted concerns within the Urhobo community, to which many of the detainees belong, though he emphasized that his intervention was based on constitutional principles rather than ethnic considerations.
He added that legal action is being considered to compel authorities to comply with due process requirements.
Broader Implications
The case highlights ongoing tensions between security operations and civil liberties in Nigeria, particularly in conflict-prone regions like the Niger Delta.
Tietie concluded by warning that “Nigeria must not become a nation where liberty is conditional and justice is selective,” urging authorities to act in accordance with the law.
