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.
