365NEWS gathered that Just six days after the death of Okuama Community President General, Pa James Achovwuko Oghoroko, in Nigerian military detention, 81-year-old Dennis Okugbaye, the community’s treasurer, has reportedly died in custody on Tuesday afternoon.
The death of Okugbaye, the second of the six detained Okuama leaders to die in military custody, has escalated tensions in the Okuama Community of Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State.
The detained leaders—Pa Dennis Okugbaye, late Oghoroko, Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo, Chief Belvis Adogbo, Mrs. Mabel Owhemu, and Mr. Dennis Malaka—were arrested between August 18 and 20, 2024, and have been held without trial since their detention.
Pastor Akpos Okugbaye, amidst tears, confirmed his father’s death to Vanguard. The Okuama community had earlier raised alarms over the failing health of Pa Okugbaye following the death of 72-year-old Oghoroko in the same military facility.
A reliable source disclosed that Okugbaye’s family transferred approximately N401,000 between Monday and Tuesday for his medical care at the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division headquarters in Bori Camp, Port Harcourt. Evidence of these payments, along with a secret military medical report dated December 6, 2024, signed on behalf of the Commandant, recommended Okugbaye’s immediate release due to health concerns and his advanced age.
Tragically, the recommendation was not acted upon, and Okugbaye passed away in custody, marking the second death of an Okuama leader in military detention within a week.
Angered by these deaths, the Okuama community issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Nigerian government and military, demanding the release of the remaining detainees. They warned of blocking access to the River Niger if their demands are not met.
As of the time of this report, the community is on edge, with youths threatening immediate action. The situation remains tense, and calls for accountability and justice are growing louder.
