Senator Ede Dafinone has confirmed the release of Pa Dennis Okugbaye, one of the suspects detained by the Nigerian military since August following the deaths of 17 soldiers in Okuama community, Delta State.
In a statement on Facebook, Senator Dafinone revealed that Pa Okugbaye, who had recently been reported dead while in military custody, was released from the hospital, where he had been receiving medical treatment.
The senator also noted that the community leader was handed over to his family in Port Harcourt on Tuesday afternoon, after being held for four months in connection with the investigation into the killings of the 17 Nigerian Army personnel.
“This afternoon, I am pleased to announce that Pa Dennis Okugbaye has been released into my custody,” the senator wrote. “I want to reassure the public that he is alive and well. This is another success in our ongoing efforts to ensure that the rights of community leaders are protected.”
Pa Okugbaye’s release follows Senator Dafinone’s previous success in securing the freedom of His Royal Majesty King Clement Ikolo, the King of Ewu Kingdom in Ughelli South, who was also arrested in connection with the same case.
Accompanied by his Chief of Staff, Chief Adelabu Bodior, Senator Dafinone handed Pa Okugbaye over to Mr. Charles Adogbo (brother of Mr. Belvis Adogbo, who remains in detention) and Rev. Peter Gordon Onagharakpote, an Anglican priest from Okuama.
Despite Okugbaye’s release, several individuals remain in military custody, including Hon. Chief Belvis Adogbo, Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo, Mr. Dennis Amalaka, and Miss Mabel Owhemu. All have been held for nearly four months while investigations into the deaths of the soldiers continue.
Senator Dafinone has called on the military authorities to expedite their investigation, urging them to charge those found culpable in the murders and release those who have not been implicated.
“We will continue to advocate for the swift conclusion of this investigation and urge the military to either charge those who are guilty or release those who have been wrongly detained,” he added.
The investigation into the deaths of the 17 Nigerian soldiers has been ongoing for several months, with community members calling for a timely resolution and justice for those involved.
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