By Ovasa Ogaga,
In a significant judicial directive, the Federal High Court sitting in Warri has ordered the Nigerian Armed Forces and the Chief of Defence Staff to produce Professor Arthur Ekpekpo, the detained President-General of Ewu Kingdom, at the next court sitting scheduled for September 30, 2025.
Justice H.A. Ngajiwa issued the order on Monday during proceedings on a bail application filed by the Okuama community in Suit No: FHC/WR/CS/42/2024, concerning the controversial detention of Ekpekpo and others.
Ekpekpo was arrested alongside Julius Oghoroko, Bernard Esegba, and several others earlier this year in connection with the killing of 17 soldiers reportedly deployed on a peacekeeping mission to Okuama, Ughelli South Local Government Area—a case that has sparked national outcry.
Moving the bail application, counsel for the applicants, Dr. Jonathan Ekperusi, argued that the prolonged detention of the community leader was unlawful and demanded his immediate release pending trial.
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 also directed that the order be served on the Attorney-General of the Federation, who is the second respondent in the matter.
The court adjourned further hearing to September 30, 2025, when the motion for bail is expected to be argued in full.
