NIGERIA: Protest Erupts In Abuja Over Arrest Of Kogi Activist Usman Okai

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

A peaceful protest is currently underway at the Federal High Court in Abuja, demanding the immediate release of prominent Kogi State activist, Usman Okai Austin.

The protest, led by renowned activist and publisher, Omoyele Sowore, has drawn a crowd of demonstrators gathered at the court’s entrance. The protesters, holding placards, are chanting and calling for justice, insisting on Okai’s unconditional release.

Recall that African Culture TV reported that the activist was picked up by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).

According to the report, he was taken from his residence on Abacha Road in Nasarawa State at approximately 9:30 AM on Wednesday.

His wife, using her Facebook account, FedoBee Beauty Hub, confirmed the incident. In a post, she lamented the manner in which her husband was taken, stating: “Usman Okai Austin abducted by Kogi State Government. No warrant of arrest. No invitation. They scattered everywhere forcefully, not minding the 4-week-old baby.”

Omoyele Sowore also weighed in, accusing the Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, of orchestrating the arrest. In a social media post, Sowore condemned the DSS’s involvement, saying: “Imagine how these lawless @OfficialDSSNG mercenaries are abducting, torturing, and dehumanizing a Nigerian citizen, @Austinokai, just because he expresses himself against Gov. Ododo of Kogi State.”

A video circulating on Kogi-based social media platforms further shows Okai being forcefully taken from his home by armed operatives.

On Thursday, Sowore raised further concerns, alleging that Okai had been transferred to Lokoja on the orders of Governor Ododo.

“The lawless DSS transferred Usman Okai Austin to Lokoja, asking him to prove that Gov. Ododo, a well-known thief, is a thief. Nigeria is finished. Isn’t Gov. Ododo Yahaya Bello’s accomplice in the looting of Kogi State?” Sowore stated.