THE Federal High Court sitting in Warri, Delta State Wednesday ordered the unconditional release of Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo and the other detained Okuama leaders of Ughelli South Local Government of Delta state.
The court also fixed July 13, 2026, for the continuation of hearing on the substantive matter.
This is just as Prof. Alexander Akpodiete has hailed the court verdict, as he commended the judiciary for upholding the rule of law.
Hon. Justice Hyeladzira Nganjiwa gave the order while delivering his judgment in Motion for release under fundamental rights application rules, filed by the applicants on 4/5/2026.
In Suit No. FHC/WR/CS/42/2024: Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo & Ors v. Federal Government of Nigeria & Ors. Hon. Justice H. A. Nganjiwa of the Federal High Court Warri has earlier granted motion for the detained persons to be produced in court but the Army refused to obey the order.
Dr. Jonathan Ekperusi with Andrew Ubido Esq represented the Applicants while Magdalene Irorere held the brief of Ikhide Ehighelua for the 3rd and 5th Respondents during the hearing.
The news of the court order was greeted with excitement by Okuama indigenes. According to Victor Akemor, “this is great news, finally we got reason to celebrate. The court is indeed the hope of the common man.
“We call on the Delta State Government to help facilitate their release, we also thank the Urhobo kings and our lawyers for a job well done.”
Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo, the President General of Ewu Kingdom, Chief Belvis Adogbo, Dennis Malaka, and Mabel Owhemu, have been held for almost two year.
One of the detainees, Pa James Oghoroko, the President of Okuama community, died in detention.
The detained Okuama leaders were arrested and detained by military men between August 18 and 19, 2024 after the unfortunate killing of 17 Army officers and soldiers near the community.
Reacting to the court’s decision, Delta Central Senatorial aspirant of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Prof Alexander Akpodiete, commended the judiciary for upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice was not denied to the affected community leaders.
Akpodiete described the court’s ruling as a victory for justice, fairness and constitutional rights, stressing that every Nigerian citizen deserves a fair hearing and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a competent court of law.
“The release of the Okuama leaders would help ease tensions in the affected communities and the Urhobo nation and pave the way for reconciliation, healing and the eventual restoration of peace in the troubled area.
“The court’s decision demonstrates the strength and independence of the Nigerian judiciary. It reinforces public confidence in our justice system and underscores the importance of due process in a democratic society.” He said.
