A Federal High Court sitting in Warri, Delta State, has ordered the immediate release of several leaders of the Okuama community who have been detained by the Nigerian military for more than 21 months.
The ruling was delivered on Wednesday, 12 June 2026, by Justice Hyeladzira Nganjiwa, following an application filed under the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules.
The court directed that the respondents in the case comply with the order without delay and ensure that the detainees are released from custody.
The judge also adjourned the matter to 13 July 2026 for continuation of hearing on the substantive issues involved in the case.
The detainees include Professor Arthur Ekpekpo, who serves as president general of Ewu Kingdom, alongside Belvis Adogbo, Dennis Malaka, and Mabel Owhemu.
Court records show that the individuals have been in military custody since August 2024, following a violent incident linked to tensions between Okuama and neighbouring communities.
Earlier proceedings in the case revealed that the court had issued an order for the detainees to be produced in court, but the Nigerian Army did not comply with the directive at the time.
The detention of Okuama community leaders is connected to a broader crisis that escalated after the killing of 17 soldiers during a military peace mission on 14 March 2024. The operation had been aimed at resolving a dispute between Okuama and Okoloba communities.
In the aftermath of the incident, military authorities arrested several community leaders as part of investigations into the killings. However, the prolonged detention has drawn legal challenges and public attention over due process concerns.
Reports also indicate that two detained community leaders allegedly died while in custody, prompting further scrutiny of the military’s handling of the case. The Defence Headquarters previously stated that it was investigating the circumstances surrounding those deaths.
The latest court order adds a new legal dimension to the long-running dispute, as the judiciary moves to address concerns about prolonged detention without trial.
Further proceedings in July are expected to clarify the substantive issues surrounding the legality of the detention and the obligations of the respondents named in the case.
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