The Federal High Court sitting in Warri, Delta State, has ordered the Nigerian Armed Forces and the Chief of Defence Staff to produce Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo, the detained President-General of the Ewu Kingdom in Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State, at the next court sitting.
Presiding Judge, Justice H.A. Ngajiwa, issued the directive on Monday, during proceedings in the bail application filed on behalf of Ekpekpo by the Okuama community in Suit No: FHC/WR/CS/42/2024.
Ekpekpo, along with Mr. Julius Oghoroko, Mr. Bernard Esegba, and others, was arrested in 2024 in connection with the killing of 17 soldiers who were reportedly on a peacekeeping mission in Okuama community — a case that has drawn national attention and controversy.
Counsel for the detained community leader, Dr. Jonathan Ekperusi, filed a motion on notice seeking his release on bail, arguing that his continued detention violates his rights and that the circumstances warrant judicial intervention.
In ruling on the application, the court ordered “The third and fifth respondents to produce the first applicant (Professor Arthur Ekpekpo) in court on the next adjourned date.”
The ruling continued, “After hearing Dr. Jonathan Ekperusi Esq, counsel for the applicants submit that there is a motion on notice for the bail of the first defendant/applicant before the court.
“Now therefore, the court, having considered the circumstances of the case — it is hereby ordered as follows: An order is made against the third and fifth respondents to produce the first applicant (Professor Arthur Ekpekpo) in court on the next adjourned date.”
Justice Ngajiwa further directed that the order be served on the Attorney-General of the Federation, the second respondent in the matter.
The case has been adjourned till September 30, 2025, for the hearing of the pending bail motion.
