Rita Odafe
Deji Adeyanju, a Nigerian lawyer and activist, has successfully secured the release of 26 protesters and journalists who were among those detained by security agents across Nigeria.
Speaking to Vanguard, Adeyanju mentioned that efforts were ongoing to secure the release of the remaining protesters in custody.
He revealed, “We have managed to secure the release of 26 protesters, including six journalists, from the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Service (DSS) in Abuja.”
Regarding the detainees still held, he stated, “We are aware of 16 more protesters in custody in Abuja, while there are hundreds detained in other states like Kano, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kaduna, and Jigawa. The exact number of comrades detained remains unknown.”
Adeyanju also confirmed the release of the six journalists who were arrested.
He emphasized, “All journalists that we are aware of have been released. The latest release was four days ago, involving a support staff of a journalist.”
Addressing the ongoing detainment of protesters nationwide, he expressed optimism in the release of all detainees, stating, “We are hopeful that security agencies will act reasonably and release all individuals detained over their participation in protests.”
Additionally, a 48-hour ultimatum was declared to secure the release of remaining protesters; failure to comply would result in legal action.
He said, “We plan to take legal action against the security agencies for violating the rights of these protesters. We are giving them 48 hours, and if necessary, we will sue them.”
Furthermore, Adeyanju criticized the President for what he perceived as a suppression of protests, contrasting it with the President’s background as a former protester himself.
He stated, “The President, once a protester, seems to have shifted towards oppression and is displaying tyranny by disregarding the fundamental rights of protesters in a democratic setting. This contradiction is disappointing and unacceptable.”
He urged the President to intervene and direct security agencies to promptly and unconditionally release all protesters currently in detention.
