Nigerians are demanding the immediate release of Austin Okai, a former House of Representatives candidate, after his alleged arrest by the Department of State Services (DSS).
Okai, a vocal critic of Kogi Governor Usman Ododo’s administration, was reportedly taken into custody on Wednesday.
Recently, Okai charged Ododo to curb what he described as the “unchecked and excessive powers” of the state’s Accountant General, Habiba Onumoko.
Okai accused the accountant general of overstepping her constitutional role, alleging financial mismanagement and undue interference in governance.
He said the accountant generals “cabal has taken over” Ododo’s administration.
The news of his arrest has sparked widespread outrage on social media, with many calling for his unconditional release.
Netizens are condemning the DSS for allegedly silencing critics and undermining freedom of speech.
With the hashtag #FreeAustinOkai, Nigerians join the call for his release.
Activist politician, Omoyele Sowore, has also spoken out against the arrest, criticising the DSS for acting as a “mercenary” for corrupt politicians.
The incident has raised concerns about the growing trend of arrests and intimidation of critics by government agencies.
