Defence Chief Orders Probe Into Deaths Of Okuama Leaders In Military Custody

Abuja, Nigeria- The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has directed an investigation into the deaths of two Okuama community leaders, Pa James Oghoroko and Denis Okugbaye, who reportedly died while in military custody.

The Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, announced the probe during the End-of-Year Briefing by the Strategic Communications Interagency Committee (SCIPC) under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in Abuja on Monday.

Pa Oghoroko, the President-General of the Okuama community, and 81-year-old Okugbaye, the community’s treasurer, allegedly died six days apart following their detention by the military.

The pair, along with four other people —Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo, Chief Belvis Adogbo, Mrs. Mabel Owhemu, and Mr. Dennis Malaka—were arrested in August.

They were reportedly held in connection with the deaths of 17 military personnel during a March 14 peace mission intended to mediate a dispute between the Okuama and Okoloba communities.

Gusau confirmed the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) has instructed the 6th Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt to conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations, with the findings expected by Monday, December 16.

“Following reports over the weekend alleging deaths in detention, particularly of individuals arrested in connection with the Okuama incident, the CDS has ordered an immediate investigation by the 6th Division. We anticipate receiving a report to verify whether these claims are true. At this stage, they remain unconfirmed allegations,” Gusau said.

“We are fully committed to uncovering the truth, and we expect to provide more information by tomorrow,” he added.