DSS Arrests Former Lawmaker Okai for Criticizing Kogi Governor Ododo

The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested Comrade Usman Okai Austin, a former House of Representatives member for the Dekina/Bassa federal constituency. Okai, a prominent activist and vocal critic of the Kogi State government, was reportedly picked up by DSS operatives in a manner described by activist Omoyele Sowore as “gestapo-like” from his residence on Wednesday.

Sowore, who broke the news on the social media platform X, condemned the arrest, stating that Okai was detained simply for expressing his views against Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State. Sowore’s post highlighted the alleged abuse of power, accusing the DSS of unlawfully abducting, torturing, and dehumanizing Okai for peacefully criticizing the government. He called for Okai’s immediate release, emphasizing that government agencies should not act as mercenaries for corrupt political figures like Ododo and Kogi’s Governor Yahaya Bello.

Okai has been outspoken against the alleged issues within Ododo’s administration. Recently, he called for a halt to what he described as the “unchecked and excessive powers” wielded by the state’s Accountant General, Habiba Onumoko. Okai accused Onumoko of overstepping her constitutional role and engaging in financial mismanagement and interference in governance. According to Okai, Onumoko’s influence and the “cabal” she leads have effectively taken control of Ododo’s administration.

The arrest of Okai has drawn widespread condemnation from critics of the current Kogi government, with many seeing it as an attempt to silence dissent and curb free expression in the state. The call for Okai’s release has gained traction, with the #FreeAustinOkaiNow hashtag trending on social media.