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Activist Akande Daniel Arrested in Church Over Alleged Protest Involvement

Published by Tope Fakinlede on September 2nd, 2024.

Activist Akande Daniel Arrested in Church Over Alleged Protest Involvement

Police on Patrol

Nigerian police have detained Comrade Akande Daniel Babatunde, an activist with the Solidarity Network for Workers’ Rights (SNWR) and a member of the Network of Abuja Left Groups. His arrest occurred on Sunday while he was attending church in Guzape District, Federal Capital Territory, conducted by the Inspector General of Police’s Intelligence Response Team (IRT).

According to SaharaReporters, SNWR has condemned the arrest, linking it to Daniel’s purported involvement in the recent 10-day #EndBadGovernance protests.

In a statement released on Sunday evening, SNWR’s Coordinator Segun Ogun and Secretary Lateef Adams stated, “The arrest happened during a church service, where the officers falsely claimed it was connected to a murder case to justify their actions. Both Comrade Daniel and his wife had their smartphones taken.”

The group reported that Daniel was questioned only once at the IRT facility about receiving funds during the August protests, to which he denied. Despite this, he was handcuffed without further explanation. SNWR condemned the arrest as arbitrary and unlawful, demanding Daniel’s immediate release.

The group criticized the detention as an attack on justice and an attempt to intimidate and suppress dissenting voices in Nigeria. They urged authorities to address this misuse of power and protect citizens’ rights.