By Didimoko A. Didimoko
The senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Senator Ede Dafinone, has debunked reports of the death of the arrested leaders of the Okuama Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.
Senator Dafinone revealed this while announcing that he had facilitated the release of Pa Dennis Okugbaye, one of the arrested leaders.
The Okuama leaders were arrested following the killing of scores of military personnel deployed to the area by suspected militants from the community.
He said, “I am pleased to announce that Pa Dennis Okugbaye one of the suspects detained by the Nigerian military since 18th/19th August was released into my custody this afternoon in Port Harcourt.
“Pa Dennis was recently rumoured to have passed away in custody but was today released at the hospital where he was undergoing medical treatment,” he said.
Dafinone revealed that Pa Okugbaye’s release came after he successfully advocated for the release of a community leader.
“Previously, I also facilitated the release of His Royal Majesty, King Clement Ikolo, the King of Ewu Kingdom in Ughelli South Local Government Area, who was arrested in connection with the same matter.
He said he was accompanied by his Chief of Staff, Chief Adelabu Bodjor, and we handed over Pa Okugbaye to Mr Charles Adogbo, the brother of Mr Belvis Adogbo, who is still detained, and Rev Peter Gordon Onagharakpote, an Anglican Reverend from Okuama.
Others still in detention include, Hon. Chief Belvis Adogbo, Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo, Mr. Dennis Amalaka, and Miss. Mabel Owhemu.
