The Nigerian military has released Pa. Dennis Okugbaye, an octogenarian and treasurer of Okuama community in Ewu Kingdom in the Ughelli South LGA of Delta State, to the senator representing Delta Central senatorial district, Okakuro Ede Dafinone.
Senator Dafinone received the ailing Pa Okugbaye from the military at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital on Tuesday afternoon.
Pa. Okugbaye, who was earlier reported to have died in military custody, was released to Senator Dafinone after securing his bail bond in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he was being detained over the gruesome killing of 17 military personnel by unknown gunmen.
The now-released Pa. Okugbaye was among Okuama community leaders, including the President General of Ewu Urhobo Kingdom, Professor Arthur Ekpekpo, who have been currently detained since August 2024.
The release put to rest the rumoured death of the octogenarian after another Okuama leader had similarly passed in military detention after the arrest.
Senator Dafinone, who has been engaging the military for the release of the detained Okuama leaders, said he would continue to press for the release of other detained persons without being charged to court by the military authorities.
Pa Dennis Okugbaye, who was reported to have died in military detention, was released on bail following the intervention of Senator Dafinone.
However, the lawmaker is expected to produce the octogenarian upon demand by the Nigerian military authorities for further interrogations.
The released Pa. Okugbaye has since been admitted at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital for adequate medical examination and treatment.
