The Department of State Services (DSS) has reportedly arrested Comrade Usman Okai Austin, a former House of Representatives candidate for the Dekina/Bassa federal constituency. Okai, known for his outspoken views on political matters in Kogi State, was allegedly taken from his residence in what has been described as a forceful and aggressive operation by the security agency.
Human rights activist and political commentator Omoyele Sowore disclosed the arrest on Wednesday, stating that Okai was apprehended due to his criticism of Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo. Sowore, taking to his social media platform on X (formerly Twitter), accused the DSS of acting in a manner that undermines democracy and suppresses free speech.
He wrote:
“Imagine how these lawless @OfficialDSSNG mercenaries are abducting, torturing, and dehumanizing a Nigerian citizen, @Austinokai, just because he expresses himself against illegitimate Gov. Ododo of Kogi State. #RevolutionNow #FreeAustinOkaiNow.”
In another post, Sowore further condemned the arrest, calling for Okai’s immediate release and accusing the DSS of being used as a tool to silence opposition voices. He added:
“Lawless @OfficialDSSNG at it again. They must release @Austinokai immediately, with no room for government security agencies acting as mercenaries for corrupt, unscrupulous, and illegitimate political hacks such as Ododo, Yahaya Bello, and co! #FreeAustinOkaiNow.”
Okai has been a strong critic of Governor Ododo’s administration, frequently speaking out against alleged irregularities and governance issues in Kogi State. Recently, he challenged the governor to rein in what he described as the “unchecked and excessive powers” of the state’s Accountant General, Habiba Onumoko.
Okai accused Onumoko of exceeding her constitutional authority, alleging that she had engaged in financial mismanagement and was interfering excessively in the affairs of the state government. He further claimed that a “cabal” led by Onumoko had gained undue influence over the administration, sidelining other key officials and decision-makers.
The circumstances surrounding Okai’s detention remain unclear, with neither the DSS nor the Kogi State government issuing an official statement regarding the matter. However, political observers believe the arrest is part of a broader crackdown on opposition voices and dissenting opinions in the state.
Okai’s supporters and pro-democracy activists have since taken to social media, demanding his immediate release and calling on civil society organizations to intervene. As the situation unfolds, concerns continue to mount over the shrinking space for political expression and the increasing use of state security agencies to target critics of those in power.
Source: DailyPost
