Dethroned Okuokpellagbe Breaks Silence on Detention Experience, instrumental in setting inmates free
By DADA AYOKHAI
Engr. Lukman Akemokue, the deposed Okuokpellagbe of Okpella, has recounted his harrowing experience while recently in detention at the Benin Correctional Centre after his arrest by security operatives.
Engr. Akemokue, who shared his experience on an Okpella platform, said he opted to stay in a correctional centre to finalise his bail conditions instead of trusting the police station, citing concerns about potential conspiracies.
The arrest and detention of the deposed traditional ruler, who was installed as the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella by Governor Godwin Obaseki’s administration on September 26, 2024, sparked widespread outrage on social media.
However, his tenure was short-lived, as he was later dethroned by the Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration.
The former traditional ruler described his experience at the correctional centre as a “Joseph-like sojourn,” expressing surprise at the warm treatment he received from the staff.
He said he never knew that many of the officers were following him on social media platforms, which might have contributed to the courteous treatment he received.
This experience contrasts with the challenges he faced leading up to his detention, particularly the circumstances surrounding his arrest, which garnered significant public attention.
”No sooner had I been ushered into the compound than I was greeted by two inmates who were from Okpella. They prostrated and said: “Amoo Your Highness”. I was deeply touched, so I requested to know how many inmates are from Okpella therein. Lo, and behold, they’re 17 in number.
”I immediately requested a meeting with them which was granted. I found out that one particular one, called David from Afokpella, has been very sick but had no means to get the right medication, which was beyond the reach of the Service. I had a conversation with the Matron of the clinic who provided the estimate.
”I contacted my wife to send the money to the Matron to procure the medication from outside. David commenced the treatment immediately and his condition drastically improved the next day.
”My conversation with the inmates from Okpella and the leadership of the Service birthed a resolution in me. For those who were awaiting trials for minor offences (assault, petty stealing, fighting, insulting people, among others) and who have overstayed beyond the time they would have done if convicted, I made up my mind to intervene for them to regain their freedom.
”The records showed that there were 11 such cases, including the sick David, who was involved in the stealing of scrap metal.
”The maximum sentence David would have incurred if convicted would be 3 months, but he has been awaiting trial for more than 6 months with no end in sight.
”I gave the inmates from Okpella my phone number to give to their family members to reach me. Their families have reached out to me. I’ve engaged my lawyers to work on their freedom”, he said.
Concerning David’s case, he said the lawyer was at the court where he submitted that David had overstayed and therefore had been punished beyond the time he would have served if convicted.
He said, following the argument of my lawyer, the presiding judge, who agreed with the lawyer, set the convict (David) free.
”I had lunch with David, advised him to desist from bad habits with an offer to train him in a skill so he can take care of himself. I then took him to Afemai park and bid him goodbye”, he added.
Engr. Akemokue, who, however, disclosed that the case of the remaining inmates would be coming up within the month, expressed optimism that ” by God’s Grace, my lawyers will do the needful.
