Delta Monarch Fingered In Disappearance Of Cross River Born In-Law

By Ushang Ewa

The family of Mrs. Mary Ugbome have petitioned the Inspector General of the Nigerian Police Force, Director General of Nigeria’s secret police, the SSS and the National Human Rights Commission to investigate her sudden disappearance on December 24, 2020.

Mrs. Ugbome (nee Stephen Okoi), according to the petition, was last seen at the palace of her husband’s grandfather, His Royal Highness, Igwe Ugbome II of Okpai Kingdom, Umuada Quarters in Ndokwa East Local Government Area of Delta State on December 24, 2020.

In the petition dated January 11, 2021, Mr. Ibrahim Ngada, the solicitor to Lt. Col. Stephen Okoi, Mrs. Ugbome’s elder brother said she did not have a cordial relationship with her in-laws over some traditional practices.

She is said to have departed her residence at 45, Ujuju street, off Umusan Road, Kwale, in Delta State alongside her daughter’s, Louisa and Chisom for Okpai on December 24th at the request of their great grandmother, Mrs. Igwe Ugbome and has since not been seen after her arrival at the Palace.

According to the petition, Mrs. Ugbome’s younger sibling, Mrs. Blessing Bassey who resides in Edo State was called on the morning of December 25th by her brother in-law, Mr. Collins Ugbome to inform her that Mary had left the palace the previous night and has not returned.

Mrs. Ugbome hails from Ugep, Yakurr Local Government Area of central Cross River State and got married to Mr. Collins Okoi Ugbome years ago.

And, sources close to her family say the explanations they have received from the Monarch regarding her disappearance,
“is tainted with conspiracy and foul play which no reasonable and responsible individual would accept with regards to a human life.”

Also, a statement credited to the Okoi’s family claimed that the palace security architecture includes guards manning different points 24 hours a day and CCTV cameras which could have aides in knowing her whereabouts.

“Our client and his entire family are affronted, aggrieved, distressed and very much concerned about this mysterious disappearance of Mrs. Mary Stephen Okoi and we therefore vehemently consider it very imperative that we bring this formal complaint to your humble self and urge you Sir, to use your good office to intervene in this potentially dangerous situation of a missing human life and treat the matter with utmost urgency, which you are known for by leaving no single stone unturned to unravel the truth of the matter and ensure that justice prevails against all and sundry for Mrs. Mary Stephen Okoi,” the petition read in part.