By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
The Federal High Court sitting in Warri has adjourned to November 13, 2025, the case between the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), representing the Okuama community, and the Federal Government.
The case seeks the release of Professor Author Okpeku, President General of the Okuama community, and three others currently held by the Nigerian Army.
It would be recalled that Professor Okpeku, Chief Belvis Adogbo, Dennis Amalaka, and Mabel Owhemu have been in detention for over a year following the killing of some Nigerian Army officers in Okuama community.
Six community leaders were initially detained in connection with the incident, but one of them, Pa James Oghoroko, who was the community president, reportedly died while in custody.
Speaking after the adjournment, counsel to the UPU, Dr. Jonathan Ekperusi, expressed disappointment that earlier court orders were not obeyed. He urged the Federal Government to respect the rule of law.
Dr. Ekperusi questioned the continued involvement of the Nigerian Army in the detention, stressing that under Nigerian law, only the police have the constitutional authority to detain suspects.
On his part, the Secretary General of the Ewu Clan Development Forum, Pastor Edewor Ogedegbe, who spoke on behalf of the Okuama community and the detainees’ families, lamented the prolonged detention.
He described the situation as painful and frustrating, noting that the community had remained law-abiding and committed to pursuing justice through legal means.
Pastor Ogedegbe appealed to the Federal Government to show fairness by releasing the detainees in line with the rule of law.
The matter is expected to come up again on November 13, 2025, when the court will further deliberate on the case, raising hopes among family members and the Okuama community for a resolution.