THE civil society community of Edo State warmly welcomes the release of our comrades, Marxist activist Kola Edokpayi and Comrade Orako Ambel, who were unlawfully detained by the Department of State Services (DSS). Their release follows a firm intervention by the Edo State High Court 1, which upheld the rule of law in the face of arbitrary detention.
We commend the courage and clarity of the presiding judge, who openly questioned the rationale behind the DSS’s continued targeting of peaceful activists, while criminal elements such as kidnappers and cultists continue to terrorize our communities with apparent impunity.
The administrative bail granted to our comrades is a testament to the power of collective resistance and judicial oversight. Over the past days, our community stood united in protest, demanding their immediate and unconditional release—a demand rooted in justice, human rights, and the protection of civic space.
This incident once again draws urgent attention to the troubling conduct of security agencies in Edo State. We reiterate our call for transparency, accountability, and strict adherence to constitutional responsibilities by all arms of the security apparatus.
As we celebrate the safe return of our comrades, we remain resolute in our struggle for a just society—one where dissent is not criminalized, and citizens are free to speak truth to power without fear of persecution.
Signed: Rev. David Ugolor and Barrister Abraham Oviawe,
Coalition of Civil Society Organisations, Edo State.
