It is believed that the activist is connected to his alleged involvement in the recent 10-day #EndBadGovernance protests.
Abuja, Nigeria – Comrade Akande Daniel Babatunde, a prominent activist and member of the Solidarity Network for Workers’ Rights, was arrested by the Nigerian police on Sunday during a church service. The arrest, which has been widely condemned by the network and other human rights organizations, is believed to be connected to his alleged involvement in the recent 10-day #EndBadGovernance protests.
According to sources, Babatunde was picked up by the Inspector General of Police’s Intelligence Response Team (IRT) at Guzape District in the Federal Capital Territory while attending church service. The officers, who claimed that the arrest was related to a murder case, reportedly confiscated both Babatunde’s and his wife’s smartphones.
Babatunde’s lawyer has revealed that his client was questioned only once during his initial detention regarding whether he had received any funds during the August protests, to which he responded in the negative. Following this brief interaction, Babatunde was placed in handcuffs without further explanation.
The Solidarity Network for Workers’ Rights has strongly condemned the arrest, describing it as “arbitrary and unlawful” and demanding Babatunde’s immediate release. The network has also accused the authorities of attempting to intimidate and suppress voices of dissent in the country.
“This is an affront to justice and an example of the ongoing attempts to stifle voices of dissent in our country,” said Segun Ogun, Coordinator of the Solidarity Network for Workers’ Rights. “We call on all relevant authorities to address this abuse of power and ensure that the rights of citizens are protected.”
The incident has sparked widespread outrage and concern over the ongoing clampdown on civil society activists and human rights defenders in Nigeria.
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