Kogi’s “military” governor allegedly orders man arrested over critical comments

Press release

We have received reports of the arrest & detention of Mr. Austin Okai, a well known critic of the administration of Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, by officers of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Nigerian Police Force.

Mr. Okai’s arrest, detention & subsequent transfer to Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, has been confirmed by the Officer in Charge of SARS in Abuja. Mr. Okai was arrested by a SARS team led by ACP Kolo.

We condemn Mr. Okai’s arrest & detention in its entirety. Mr. Okai’s arrest is the latest chapter in a series of attempts to clampdown on free speech in Nigeria.

There are concerns over Mr. Okai’s safety & wellbeing. A few weeks ago, he was attacked & physically assaulted by political thugs. This arrest shows a probable link between that assault & the current government of Kogi State.

We call for Mr. Okai’s unconditional release & an end to the absurd persecution of real & perceived political enemies.

We also call for governments all over Nigeria to show greater respect & regard for the rights of the Nigerian people as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.