SVCOSA Raises Alarm Over Prolonged Detention of Okuama Leaders

By Endurance Ikanone

The St. Vincent’s College, Okwagbe Old Students’ Association (SVCOSA) has called on the Federal Government and other relevant authorities to urgently address the continued detention of leaders from the Okuama community in Delta State, describing the situation as a serious violation of fundamental human rights.

In a press statement signed by its National President, Prof. G.G. Darah, the association expressed deep concern that the detainees have allegedly been held for nearly two years in an undisclosed location without being formally charged or brought before a court.

SVCOSA commended legal practitioner, Barr. Frank Tietie, for what it described as a courageous and patriotic effort in drawing national attention to the issue. According to the association, his intervention has helped spotlight what it considers a troubling disregard for due process and the rule of law.

The group said the prolonged detention of the Okuama leaders runs contrary to the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution, particularly the rights to personal liberty and fair hearing. It warned that such actions, if left unchecked, could erode public confidence in the country’s democratic institutions.

Some particular concern to the association is the fate of two of the detainees Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo and Chief Belvis Adogbo both of whom are alumni of St. Vincent’s College, Okwagbe. SVCOSA noted that their continued incarceration without trial not only affects them and their families but also weighs heavily on the conscience of the alumni community.

The association expressed disappointment that attempts to bring the matter before the courts have not yielded meaningful progress. It stressed that justice delayed, in this case, amounts to justice denied and, ultimately, justice undermined.

SVCOSA therefore urged the Federal Government, military authorities, and the Delta State Government led by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to take immediate and decisive action. It specifically called for the detainees to be either formally charged and prosecuted in accordance with the law or released unconditionally if there is no credible evidence against them.

Beyond government authorities, the group also appealed to Delta State lawmakers at the National Assembly, the Urhobo Traditional Rulers Council, the National Human Rights Commission, the Nigerian Bar Association (Delta State Chapter), as well as relevant United Nations agencies, to intervene and ensure that justice is served.

The association warned that the continued detention of citizens without trial sets a dangerous precedent and undermines the principles of democracy. It insisted that Nigeria’s democratic system must be firmly rooted in the supremacy of the rule of law rather than arbitrary actions.

“The time to act is now,” the statement emphasized, adding that justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done.