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From Isaac Anumihe, Abuja
A human rights activist, Frank Tietie, has condemned the killing of soldiers of the Nigerian Army in a clash involving two communities in Delta State, leading to the arrest of a professor of Physics at the Delta State University and President-General of Okuama community/Ewu Development Union, Chief Belvis Adogbo, Dennis Amalaka and Mabel Owhemu in 2024.
Although Tietie flayed any act that could lead to the killing of soldiers, saying that such a culprit should be brought to book by a competent body rather than permanently keeping them in a dungeon without trial.
According to him, James Achovwuko Oghoroko, one of the detainees was reported to have died in military custody, while Pa Dennis Okugbaye, treasurer of Okuama community reportedly fell ill and was later released on health grounds.
Briefing newsmen in Abuja, Tietie said, it was regrettable that the clash between Okuama and Okolobo communities in Delta State led to the death of several soldiers with a reprisal attack from the army which levelled the community.
Two years after that incident, Tietie said: “I am compelled, as a lawyer, human rights advocate, civil society leader and media personality to call for urgent national attention to the continued detention of leaders and members of the Okuama community without trial since 2024.
“This situation raises grave constitutional and moral concerns for a country that prides itself on adherence to the rule of law.”
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He reiterated that several indigenes of the community were still being held, adding that the continued detention of the individuals without arraignment before a competent court of law constitutes a flagrant violation of their constitutional rights to personal liberty and fair hearing as guaranteed under the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Let it be abundantly clear that while I do not, and will never, condone criminality under any guise, including that of community leadership, there can be no justification whatsoever for the indefinite detention of any Nigerian citizen on mere suspicion, association or leadership status.
“Indeed, the allegation of killing soldiers of the Nigerian Army is grave, nevertheless the law, being the very foundation of society, must take its course or else, injustice would prevail.
“If there is credible evidence linking any of these detainees to the tragic killing of soldiers in the Okuama–Okoloba crisis, then the proper and lawful course of action is simple and well established. Charge them to court and allow due process to take its course. Anything short of this is not justice but clear arbitrariness which must be condemned,” he said.
He said the government cannot, on one hand, claim fidelity to the rule of law and on the other hand, act in a manner that suggests that certain citizens are expendable, or undeserving of legal protection.
“Such conduct undermines public confidence in state institutions and erodes the very foundation of democratic governance
“I call on the President and Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Tinubu, the Nigerian military authorities, the governor of Delta State, Mr. Sheriff Oborevwori, Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), traditional rulers and influential leaders in the Niger Delta region to urgently intervene to ensure that the detainees are immediately released, or at least, promptly charged before a court of competent jurisdiction and tried in accordance with the law.” he said
