Lawyers in Delta State have described as unacceptable, the death of two Okuama leaders, Pa James Oghoroko and Pa Dennis Okugbaye, in military detention in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
According to Joseph Omonoseh, former Secretary, Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Warri, "it is sad that at this time such a thing can happen. Nigeria is not a lawless country, the military swore to uphold the constitution, why are they violating it. If someone is suspected to have committed any crime, the person is taken to court after arrest. Apprehending civilians and hounding them into military facility without trials and killing them is more offensive." he added.
On his part, Irikefe Ovwighorienta, a notary public and senior lawyer said,"in a sane country, the Army Chiefs should have been retired and tried. The military are not above the law and acting in this manner is a national shame.
"The constitution is the supreme law and is greater than everybody in the country including the President. The constitution has specified everything to be done when a crime is alleged to be committed. The military action offends the constitution and should have grave consequences. All the people involved in this dastardly act should be investigated", he added.
Andrew Ubido, one of the lawyers representing Okuama Community argued that a petition would be sent to the International Criminal Court.
"What has happened is deliberate and planned by the federal government and the military. They have violated the rights of our clients and we want to petition the Chief Justice of the Federation.
"As we speak, for arresting and killing our clients, we are sending a petition against the Nigerian government and the military to ICC. They have treated Okuama people with so much indignation and it is unacceptable." Ubido added.
