Human rights lawyer and activist, Frank Tietie, has urged military authorities to release several Okuama community leaders allegedly detained since 2024 following a deadly clash between Okuama and Okoloba communities in Delta State that resulted in the killing of Nigerian Army personnel.
Among those reportedly still in custody are Dr. Arthur Ekpekpo, a professor at Delta State University and President-General of the Okuama Community/Ewu Development Union, Chief Belvis Adogbo, Dennis Amalaka, and Mabel Owhemu.
Tietie stressed that while the killing of soldiers is a serious allegation, due process must be followed to avoid injustice.
He also revealed that one of the detainees, James Achovwuko Oghoroko, reportedly died in military custody, while the community treasurer, Pa Dennis Okugbaye, was released on health grounds after falling ill.
Tietie described the continued detention without trial as a violation of constitutional rights.
Speaking in Abuja, Tietie lamented that two years after the incident, no formal charges have been brought against the detainees.
He called for urgent national attention, warning that prolonged detention without trial undermines the rule of law and democratic principles.
Meanwhile, members of the Okuama community have threatened to boycott future elections, including those involving President Bola Tinubu and Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, if their leaders are not released.
Community leaders say the decision reflects growing frustration over what they describe as continued marginalisation and injustice.