By Austin Ogwuda
Contrary to speculations making the rounds that two of Okuama leaders namely Pa James Oghoroko and Dennis Okugbaye died recently in custody, the Nigerian Army has released 81 year-old Pa Dennis Okugbaye, the Treasurer of the Community alive.
He is however sick and hospitalised.
According to a news report by Advocate “The Military authority released to the Senator Representing Delta Central Senatorial district, Senator Ede Dafinone, Pa Dennis Okugbaye, one of those detained leaders over the killing in Okuama at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital.
“Pa Dennis Okugbaye, who was reported to have died in military detention, was released on bail following the intervention of Senator Dafinone, and he is expected to produce him on demand.
The sick Pa Okugbaye is currently admitted to the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital and his family members are around to take care of him”.
However, no mention was made about the health of the Community’s President General, Pa James Oghoroko whether dead as rumoured, sick or healthy as information concerning him is still kept secret, unknown to the public.
Pa James Oghoroko’s alleged death was first muted before that of Pa Dennis Okugbaye whose fate and whereabouts have been clearly defined.
*Recall that The Townhall NG ran this story yesterday (Monday):
Barring any last minute hitch, the Nigerian Army is expected to submit the result of its findings over the reported deaths of two Okuama community leaders, Pa James Oghoroko and Dennis Okugbaye, while in their custody.
This followed the directive from the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa who ordered a thorough investigation into the matter following bombardment of news reports quoting credible sources alleging that the two deaths occurred.
Speaking on the matter for the first time, the Director of Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau stated that the Chief of Defence Staff had directed the 6th Division of the Nigerian Army to investigate the allegations and submit a report by Monday (today).
Speaking during the Strategic Communications Interagency Policy Committee end-of-year briefing, Gusau said, “Regarding allegations of deaths in detention over the weekend, headlines surfaced suggesting that individuals detained in connection with the Okuama incident had died.
“Immediately, the CDS directed an investigation to be conducted by the 6 Division. Any moment from now, we expect the findings on whether the claims are true or not. For now, these remain allegations.
“We are committed to uncovering the truth, and by tomorrow (Monday), we will have more details”, he stated.
*Credit Story/pic: Advocate
Photo caption: L-R Charles Adogbo; Brother to one of those still in military Custody; Adelabu Bodjor; Pa Dennis Okugbaye released by the Military; Sen Ede Dafinone and Rev Peter Gordon an Anglican Priest from Okuama Community when Military Authority released Pa Dennis Okugbaye, one of those detained at University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital yesterday.
