Open Letter: Demand For Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo’s Release

Concerned Academics and Citizens

We are writing to express deep concern about the detention of Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo, a respected academic and community leader from Delta State University Abraka. Prof. Ekpekpo, a former Dean of the Faculty of Science and highly respected scholar, has been held in military detention since last year without trial.

Unanswered Questions

The circumstances surrounding his detention are unclear, but it appears to be linked to his position as Overall President General of several communities under Ewu Kingdom, including Okuama community, where soldiers were murdered last year. Despite being declared wanted by the military high command, Prof. Ekpekpo’s detention has raised serious questions about due process and the rule of law.

ASUU’s Silence

We are particularly disappointed that the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has not issued a statement condemning Prof. Ekpekpo’s continued incarceration without trial. As a union that advocates for the rights and welfare of academic staff, ASUU’s silence on this matter is concerning.

Call to Action

We urge the ASUU chairman, Delta State University Chapter, to seek an audience with the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, to advocate for Prof. Ekpekpo’s release or trial. Given the number of community leaders who have died in military detention, including the President General of Okuama community, it is imperative that ASUU acts swiftly to prevent further injustice.

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Questions for the Attorney General

Mr. Attorney General, we question the efficacy of your office in upholding human rights and the rule of law. Your appointment was met with hope that you would bring a human rights perspective to your role. However, the continued detention of Prof. Ekpekpo without trial raises serious concerns about your commitment to justice and human rights.

Conclusion

We hope that immediate action will be taken to address Prof. Ekpekpo’s situation and ensure that justice is served.

Sincerely,

Dr. Orhonigbe Innocent
Department of Biochemistry, Delta State University Abraka.