society
Okuama Treasurer Dies in Military Custody Despite Family’s N140,000 Payment for Transport
Okuama Treasurer Dies in Military Custody Despite Family’s N140,000 Payment for Transport
The family of 81-year-old Pa Dennis Okugbaye, the treasurer of Okuama community in Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State, has recounted the tragic circumstances surrounding his death while in military custody on December 10, 2024.
Despite paying N140,000 for fuel at the military’s request to transport their ailing father from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to Asaba, Delta State, the family said Pa Okugbaye died during the journey.
A family source, speaking anonymously for security reasons, explained:
“We were told our father was very sick and that we should send N140,000 to buy fuel to transport him to Asaba so we could take him to the hospital. We sent the money and were instructed to come to the 63 Brigade, Asaba, on Monday, December 9, to receive him. They also warned that only his daughter should receive him.”
The source further recounted how their sister waited at the barracks all day but received no word about Pa Okugbaye’s arrival.
“We contacted community leaders and even informed Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of the situation. The next day, we were told our father had died on the road while being transported,” the source said.
To date, neither the military nor the Delta State Government has contacted the family regarding Pa Okugbaye’s death.
Pa Okugbaye’s death occurred less than a week after the community’s President General, Pa James Oghoroko, also died in military detention. Both men, along with four other Okuama leaders, had been arrested by the army between August 18 and 20, 2024. The arrests followed the killing of 17 soldiers during a peace mission to resolve a dispute between Okuama and Okoloba communities on March 14, 2024.
The detained leaders, including Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo, Chief Belvis Adogbo, Mrs. Mabel Owhemu, and Mr. Dennis Malaka, have reportedly been held without trial since their arrest.
Efforts to obtain comments from Delta State officials, including the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, and the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Festus Ahon, were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
Social critic Zik Gbemre criticized Governor Oborevwori for failing to address the military’s actions.
“The reported deaths of two community leaders in military detention, alongside the continued unlawful detention of others, exposes institutional failures. Oborevwori’s refusal to hold the military accountable is shameful and incites further tension in the state,” Gbemre said in a statement.
The deaths of two prominent Okuama leaders in military custody, coupled with the continued detention of others, have sparked fears about the safety of the remaining detainees. Community members are calling for justice, transparency, and an end to what they describe as a “gross abuse of power.”
This unfolding crisis underscores deep-seated issues in the management of security and civil rights, leaving families and communities in anguish as they await accountability from both the state government and military authorities.
Life Patron Gen. Buratai Congratulates Newly Elected Lady Captain of TYBGRCC
ABUJA – The Tukur Yusufu Buratai Golf Resort and Country Club (TYBGRCC) has ushered in a new era of leadership with the election of Ms. Jumai Hajara Adamu as its Lady Captain.
The club’s Life Patron, Lt Gen Tukur Yusufu Buratai (Rtd) CFR, former Chief of Army Staff, has extended his warm congratulations and full endorsement. “As the Life Patron, I am immensely proud to see a leader of your calibre step forward,” he stated. “Please be assured of my full and unwavering support throughout your tenure. I have every confidence that your leadership will be marked by significant achievements.”
The election, conducted by the club’s Board of Trustees and membership, highlights a unanimous confidence in Ms. Adamu’s vision and dedication to the sport and the club’s community.
In her acceptance address, the newly elected Lady Captain outlined a forward-looking agenda anchored on three key pillars: Unity, Development, and Inclusiveness. “I believe that golf is not just a sport but a powerful platform for friendship, discipline, mentorship, and community,” she stated, pledging to strengthen member bonds, encourage greater participation among ladies and youth, and enhance the club’s facilities.
Ms. Jumai Hajara Adamu, a respected member known for her active participation and organizational acumen, succeeds a line of distinguished past Lady Captains. She has pledged to build upon their legacy with transparency, teamwork, and accountability, ensuring every member feels heard and represented.
This appointment is seen as a significant step for the TYBGRCC, reinforcing its commitment to excellence, growth, and fostering a vibrant sporting community in the heart of the nation’s capital. The club anticipates a dynamic and prosperous term under her guidance.
About Tukur Yusufu Buratai Golf Resort and Country Club (TYBGRCC):
Located in Abuja, TYBGRCC is a premier golfing destination dedicated to promoting the sport of golf, fostering camaraderie, and encouraging a healthy lifestyle among its members and guests. It stands as a testament to world-class sporting and recreational facilities.
NAWOJ: SEKINAT, CHARITY GETS VOTE OF CONFIDENCE
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists,(NAWOJ), Ogun State Chapter Executives has unanimously passed a vote of confidence on Chairman NAWOJ SEKINAT Salam and the Financial Secretary, Charity James, saying that, their leadership reflect the ideal and objectives of NAWOJ.
This was revealed in a communique issued at an Emergency meeting of the Executive held at the NUJ State Council, Iwe-Iroyin in Abeokuta.
The vote of confidence on the Leadership of NAWOJ was unanimously signed by all the five executive members that attended the meeting with the vice chairperson taking apology for official engagement outside the state capital.
According to the communique ” Consequently, NAWOJ Ogun State Chapter, reaffirms it’s unwavering support and confidence in the Chairperson and the Financial Secretary, Sekinat Salam and Charity James respectively, Urge them to continue in their commitment to purposeful leadership in the best interest of the association and the society at large”.
Speaking briefly with Journalists after the emergency Executive meeting, the Chairperson, Nigeria Association of Woman Journalists (NAWOJ), Com. Sekinat Salam, said the meeting was necessary as the news of her suspension was laughable and insulting because it is like a pot calling a kettle black in this case, saying that the Leadership of the State Council, Com. Wale Olanrewaju has no local standing to suspend her or any executive member, even he cannot be a judge in his own case.
According to her” The Leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ogun State led by Wale Olanrewaju has always been misusing power without recourse to the constitution of this noble Union, hence has no local standing to suspend me or any executive member “.
She said only the Central Working Committee (CWC) has the constitutional rights to sanction or suspend any members found wanting after due process has been followed.
While calling on members to stay calm, Com. Sekinat Salam assured members of positive representation of NAWOJ at both the State and National level, adding the success recorded under her administration cannot be overemphasized.
She therefore called on the National leadership of NUJ to critically look into the matter, either by setting up independent committee to investigate the issues and resolve the matter as quickly as possible.
Adron Homes Chairman Congratulates Oyo State on 50 Years of Progress
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Adron Homes and Properties Limited, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, has congratulated the Government and people of Oyo State as the state marks its 50th anniversary, describing the occasion as a celebration of resilience, cultural pride, and sustained progress.
He noted that since its creation, Oyo State has remained a strong contributor to Nigeria’s socio-economic and cultural development, emerging as a hub of commerce, education, and innovation.
According to him, the Golden Jubilee offers a moment for reflection and renewed commitment by government, private sector players, traditional institutions, and citizens toward building a more inclusive and prosperous state.
Aare Emmanuelking commended the state’s ongoing transformation through investments in infrastructure, economic expansion, and human capital development, adding that sustainable growth is deliberate and must remain purpose-driven.
He also praised the leadership of the current administration while acknowledging the contributions of past leaders whose efforts laid the foundation for today’s Oyo State.
Reaffirming Adron Homes’ commitment to national development, he described Oyo State as a land of opportunity. He wished the state continued peace and prosperity, expressing confidence that the next fifty years will bring even greater achievements for the Pace Setter State and its people.
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