NDC Condemns Arrest of Opposition Activist in Kogi, Threatens Legal Action

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Nigeria Democratic Congress has condemned the arrest and continued detention of an opposition activist in Kogi State, describing the development as unlawful and a threat to democratic freedoms.

In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, the party’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Abdulmumin Ohiare Abdulsalam, alleged that the activist, Faruk Ozigi Onimisi, was forcefully taken from his residence in Kubwa, Abuja, and transferred to Lokoja by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force.

The party claimed the arrest was carried out on the orders of the Kogi State Government, alleging that the operation was executed “in a kidnapping style.”

According to the statement, Onimisi, who recently defected from the All Progressives Congress to the NDC, is being held at the State Criminal Investigation Department in Lokoja under conditions it described as inhumane.

“It has gotten to our attention that one Faruk Ozigi Onimisi… is being illegally detained… without access to legal representation, family or being charged to court, a situation which is in clear violation of his fundamental human rights,” the party said.

The NDC alleged that the activist was arrested over plans to organise a civic protest, arguing that such actions fall within the constitutional rights of citizens.

“Ostentibly, the innocent political activist was clamped into illegal detention for planning a protest… we call on the state government to respect and recognise citizens’ right to peaceful assembly and association,” the statement added.

The party demanded his immediate release or, in the alternative, that he be arraigned in court if there are valid charges against him.

“We hereby demand Mr Ozigi’s immediate release… or he should be charged to court without further delay if the authorities deem him to have committed any offence,” it stated.

Beyond the specific case, the NDC accused authorities in Kogi of a broader pattern of intimidation and harassment of opposition figures, warning that it would not hesitate to pursue legal remedies.

“Continued harassment and illegal arrests of our members… shall compel our party’s national legal team to take stronger action, including dragging the State Government and security agencies to court,” the statement said.

The party also warned that it could escalate the matter beyond Nigeria’s borders if the situation persists, citing possible action at regional and international levels.

It specifically cautioned the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to halt what it described as repressive actions, warning of consequences that could include international scrutiny.

While urging its supporters in Kogi State to remain peaceful and law-abiding, the party said its leadership was already considering further steps to address what it called growing repression of opposition voices.

As of the time of filing this report, there was no official response from the Kogi State Government or the police authorities regarding the allegations.