“Two Okuama Indigenes Arrested and Suing Army and DSS”

Babatunji Wusu –

Two leaders from the Okuama community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State have taken legal action against the Nigerian Army and the Department of State Security (DSS), demanding N200 million in damages for alleged violations of their fundamental rights.

The six Okuama indigenes—Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo, Chief Belvis Adogbo, Mr. James Oghoroko, Dennis Okugbaye, Pa Anthony Ahwemuria, and Mrs. Rita Akata—were apprehended by military personnel between August 18 and 20. Since their arrest, they have reportedly been held in undisclosed detention centers.

Among them, James Oghoroko and Dennis Okugbaye have filed separate lawsuits at the Federal High Court in Warri. Represented by their counsels Malcolm Omirhobo Esq., Akpokona Omafuaire Esq., and others, they are challenging their arrests and ongoing detentions without formal charges or access to legal counsel.

In Suit No: FHC/WR/CS/84/2024, James Oghoroko is seeking N100 million for his alleged unlawful arrest and detention. Similarly, Dennis Okugbaye has filed Suit No: FHC/WR/CS/85/2024, also demanding N100 million for what he describes as wrongful arrest and detention.

Both plaintiffs are asking the court to declare that the raids on their homes, carried out without proper legal procedures, were clear violations of their fundamental rights to privacy. They contend that their arrest on August 19, 2024, and subsequent detention without a warrant, access to legal representation, or family contact are breaches of their rights to personal liberty and are thus illegal and unconstitutional.

Additionally, they argue that their ongoing detention without legal justification infringes on their right to freedom of movement. The lawsuits seek judicial enforcement of their fundamental rights, immediate release from detention, and a perpetual injunction to prevent further violations by the respondents.

In summary, each applicant is requesting N100 million in damages for the infringement of their rights, as well as a court order to cease any further rights violations by the Nigerian Army and DSS.