Court Adjourns Okuama Leaders’ Case to October as Release Order Remains Unenforced
Lawyers told the Warri court the army has not freed Professor Arthur Ekpekpo and other detainees despite being served the judgment.
The Federal High Court sitting in Warri has adjourned the case involving Professor Arthur Ekpekpo and other detained leaders of Okuama community until *October 5, 2026*, for the continuation of substantive hearing.
The adjournment came amid claims that the Nigerian Army has yet to comply with the court’s earlier judgment ordering the immediate and unconditional release of the detainees, despite reportedly being served with a Certified True Copy (CTC) of the ruling.
At the resumed proceedings, counsel for the applicants informed the court that the release order had not been carried out, insisting that Professor Ekpekpo and the other Okuama leaders remain in detention.
The case attracted the attention of prominent academics, labour leaders and community stakeholders, including Prof. G.G. Darah, National President of the St. Vincent’s College Okwagbe Old Students’ Association; Prof. Basil Iwhiwhu, President of Ukoko R’Emotor; and Comrade Matthew Eyuren, Chairman of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Delta State University chapter.
Professor Ekpekpo and the other Okuama community leaders were arrested following the March 2024 killing of 17 Nigerian Army personnel in Okuama, Delta State. Their continued detention has remained a subject of concern among community leaders, civil society groups and human rights advocates.
The matter is expected to return to court on October 5, 2026, when substantive hearing will continue.
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