By Emmanuel Ikhenebome
The Edo Civil Society Community has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of two of its members, Kola Edokpayi and Hadson Oracle, who were arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) last week.
The duo was reportedly detained over plans to stage a protest in solidarity with Burkina Faso’s military leader, Captain Ibrahim Traore, an action that has sparked widespread concern among civil rights groups in the state.
During a peaceful demonstration held in Benin City, members of the civil society community marched through major streets carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Civil Rights Activists Are Not Criminals” and “Protest Is Not a Crime.”
Speaking with Super FM correspondent Emmanuel Ikhenebome, one of the prominent leaders of the group, David Ugolor, insisted that the detained activists were only exercising their constitutional right to freedom of expression.
According to Ugolor, “Kola Edokpayi called for a protest to defend the sovereignty of Burkina Faso’s governance system, urging that no external force should interfere in their internal affairs. That was the essence of the protest.”
Another activist, Roy Oribhabor, condemned what he described as the unlawful detention of the duo beyond the legally permissible 48 hours, vowing that the protest would continue until the activists are released.
“Our demand is simple: the unconditional release of Kola and others still in detention. Until that happens, we will not back down,” Oribhabor stated.
However, in a related development, Justice A.N. Erhabor of the Edo State High Court in Benin City has criticized the planned pro-military demonstration, describing it as both misplaced and unnecessary. His remarks were specifically directed at Edokpayi and Oracle, whom he noted were spearheading the initiative in support of a foreign military regime.
The unfolding situation continues to draw public attention, with civil rights organizations maintaining their stance on the legality of peaceful protest and freedom of association.