Defence chief orders probe into Okuama leaders alleged deaths in military custody

“We are committed to uncovering the truth, and by tomorrow, we will have more details.”

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Christopher Musa, has ordered a thorough investigation into the alleged deaths of two Okuama community leaders while in Army custody.

The Director, Defence Information, Tukur Gusau, a brigadier-general, disclosed this at the End-of-Year briefing by the Strategic Communications Interagency Committee, Office of the National Security Adviser, on Monday in Abuja.

The deceased leaders were James Oghoroko, the president-general of the Okuama community, and Denis Okugbaye, 81, the community’s treasurer.

It was reported that the duo died six days apart while being detained by the military.

The duo, along with four others – Arthur Ekpekpo, Belvis Adogbo, Mabel Owhemu, and Dennis Malaka – were arrested in August.

They had been detained in connection with the killing of 17 soldiers in the community on 14 March during a peace mission to resolve a dispute between the Okuama and Okoloba communities of Delta State.

Responding to questions, Mr Gusau said the chief of defence staff had directed the 6 Division Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt to conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations and submit its report on Monday, 16 December.

“Regarding allegations of deaths in detention over the weekend, headlines surfaced suggesting that individuals detained in connection with the Okuama incident had died.

“Immediately, the CDS directed an investigation to be conducted by the 6 Division. Any moment from now, we expect the findings on whether the claims are true or not. For now, these remain allegations.

“We are committed to uncovering the truth, and by tomorrow, we will have more details,” he said.

(NAN)