Former Kogi State governorship candidate under the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Murtala Yakubu Ajaka, has strongly condemned the arrest of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain and political activist, Austin Usman Okai, calling it an abduction orchestrated by the Kogi State Government under Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.
Okai was allegedly whisked away by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Abuja on Wednesday morning, and his whereabouts remain unknown.
Ajaka’s Reaction
In a statement made available to the press, Ajaka denounced the arrest, warning that Kogi State was regressing into the oppressive era of former Governor Yahaya Bello.
*“It is with profound concern and indignation that I condemn the recent actions of the Kogi State Government, which led to the invasion of Comrade Austin Usman Okai’s home and his subsequent abduction earlier today.
The circumstances surrounding this incident are deeply troubling, as the authorities have failed to disclose his location or the charges, if any, for which he has been detained.”*
Ajaka described the incident as a “blatant disregard for due process and human rights,” adding that the current administration is using intimidation to silence opposition voices.
*”Government’s actions, in this instance, are not only a direct affront to the principles of justice and fairness but also serve as a grim reminder of the dark days under the leadership of former Governor Yahaya Bello.
During Bello’s tenure, countless individuals were subjected to similar fates—abducted, maimed, killed, or forcibly disappeared—all without the protection of the law or any recourse to justice.”*
A Pattern of Repression?
Ajaka accused Governor Ododo’s administration of adopting fear tactics to suppress dissent.
*”The apparent intention to stifle dissent and silence critics through fear and intimidation is a dangerous path that undermines the very fabric of democracy and human rights.
The people of Kogi State deserve better than a government that uses unlawful force to oppress its citizens.”*
He called for the immediate release of Okai and urged the government to respect the rule of law.
*”I call for the immediate release of Comrade Austin Usman Okai and for the government to ensure that all actions taken are in accordance with the rule of law.
The Kogi State Government must be held accountable for this egregious act, and those responsible should face the appropriate consequences.
We must not allow the repressive actions of past regimes to become the norm in our state.”*
Okai’s Arrest: What Happened?
A video obtained by The Bureau Newspaper showed heavily armed security operatives storming Okai’s residence in Abuja before forcefully taking him away.
His wife, speaking to reporters, confirmed that the DSS operatives did not present an arrest warrant before breaking into their home.
*”They came to arrest him at our home in Abuja without a warrant. In fact, they ransacked our house and forced their way inside.
I asked them for the arrest warrant, but no one could provide one. All they said was that they needed him for questioning. So I asked, ‘If you need someone for questioning, did you invite him, and did he decline? Where is your warrant?’ There was nothing to show.”*
She also raised concerns about her husband’s safety and well-being, revealing that security operatives confiscated his gadgets before taking him away.
“They took him away, and I don’t even know the extent of the harassment he’s facing. They also took his gadgets.”
Silence from DSS and Kogi State Government
As of the time of filing this report, neither the DSS nor the Kogi State Government has issued an official statement regarding Okai’s detention or disclosed his current location.
Sources suggest his arrest may be linked to his vocal criticism of the Kogi State government, as he has consistently spoken out against its policies.
Concerns Over Political Crackdown
Okai’s arrest has sparked fresh concerns over the shrinking space for political opposition in Kogi State, with critics warning that the Ododo administration may be resorting to strong-arm tactics similar to those allegedly witnessed during Yahaya Bello’s tenure.
