SVCOSA Seeks Urgent Intervention, Condemns Alleged Rights Violations in Okuama Case

 

The St. Vincent’s College, Okwagbe Old Students’ Association (SVCOSA) has called for urgent intervention by relevant authorities over what it described as grave violations of fundamental human rights in the continued detention of leaders of the Okuama community in Delta State.

In a strongly worded press statement issued by its National President, Prof. G.G. Darah, the association expressed deep concern that the detainees have reportedly been held for nearly two years in an undisclosed facility without being formally charged or arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction.

SVCOSA commended the intervention of Barr. Frank Tietie for bringing national attention to the plight of the detainees, describing his efforts as courageous, timely, and in the best interest of justice and democratic accountability.

The association noted that the prolonged detention without trial constitutes a serious breach of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, particularly the provisions guaranteeing the right to personal liberty and fair hearing. It warned that such actions, if left unchecked, could undermine public trust in the nation’s legal and governance systems.

Of particular concern to the association is the continued detention of two of its members—Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo and Chief Belvis Adogbo—whose incarceration without due process has deeply unsettled the alumni community and raised serious moral and legal questions.

SVCOSA lamented that despite efforts to ensure that the detainees are brought before the courts, no meaningful progress has been achieved. It stressed that justice delayed in this instance amounts to justice denied, and indeed, justice subverted.

The association therefore called on the Federal Government, the Nigerian military authorities, and the Delta State Government under the leadership of Sheriff Oborevwori to act without further delay in resolving the matter.

Specifically, SVCOSA demanded that the detainees be either promptly charged before a court of competent jurisdiction and prosecuted in line with due process or released unconditionally if there is no credible evidence to sustain any charges against them.

In addition, the association appealed to key stakeholders, including members of the National Assembly from Delta State, the Urhobo Traditional Rulers Council (Ukoko R’Ivie R’Urhobo), the National Human Rights Commission, the Nigerian Bar Association (Delta State Chapter), and relevant United Nations agencies, to urgently intervene and ensure that justice is served.

SVCOSA emphasized that Nigeria’s democracy must be anchored on the supremacy of the rule of law, warning that the continued detention of citizens without trial sets a dangerous precedent capable of eroding public confidence in state institutions.

Reaffirming its commitment to justice, equity, and the protection of human dignity, the association declared that the time for decisive action is now.

“Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done,” the statement concluded.