Buzzapp Master 
The civil society community expressed concern that the duo’s continued detention could damage the longstanding relationship between grassroots organisations and security agencies in Edo State.
A coalition of civil society organisations in Edo State has demanded the immediate release of two detained activists, Marxist Kola Edokpayi and Comrade Hadson Oracle, who were arrested on April 30 over their involvement in a planned solidarity rally in honour of Burkina Faso’s revolutionary leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré.
In a press statement dated May 3, 2025, and addressed to the Edo State Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), the civil society community expressed dismay over what they described as the unlawful continued detention of the activists, despite assurances from security authorities.
The statement reads in part: “Kindly recall the meeting held on May 1, 2025, between your good office and representatives of the civil society community in Edo State. During our discussion, we addressed the detention of Marxist Kola Edokpayi and Comrade Hadson Oracle since April 30, 2025, and you graciously gave assurance of their unconditional release on or before Friday, May 2, 2025. However, as of today, we are yet to receive any confirmation of their release.”
The activists were reportedly arrested in connection with a planned public rally meant to show solidarity with the government of Captain Ibrahim Traoré, whose anti-imperialist stance has drawn admiration among Pan-Africanists and left-wing groups across the continent.
The civil society community expressed concern that the duo’s continued detention could damage the longstanding relationship between grassroots organisations and security agencies in Edo State.
They also hinted at growing speculations that the detainees might have been transferred to an undisclosed location.
“We respectfully request an update on the current status of Mr. Edokpayi and Mr. Oracle, including confirmation of any transfer… We would also appreciate clarity on any plans concerning their possible release,” the statement continued.
The statement, signed by Rev. David Ugolor, spokesperson for the coalition, and Barr. Abraham Oviawe, its legal adviser, called on the DSS to uphold constitutional rights by granting the detainees access to their lawyers and family members.
“Please be assured that our preference for diplomacy and engagement is rooted in our desire to maintain peace and partnership. It should not be mistaken for complacency,” the statement warned.
SaharaReporters earlier detailed the arrest of the activists by operatives of Nigeria’s DSS.
In the days that followed, the development triggered widespread outrage from rights groups, civil society actors, and pan-Africanists across the continent, who condemned it as a blatant case of political repression and a violation of fundamental rights.
A source close to Edokpayi, speaking with SaharaReporters, shed light on the circumstances leading to his arrest.
“He made arrangements for a solidarity rally. The Commissioner of Police called him a day before the rally and held a meeting with him to call it off. He complied and dispatched people to cancel the protest. But DSS and police operatives later stormed his office, broke in, and arrested about six people. Four were released, but they detained him and one other member.”
According to organisers, the rally was part of a broader continental mobilisation in support of Captain Traoré’s defiant stance against French neocolonial influence in West Africa. Similar events were also scheduled to be held in countries like Ghana and South Africa.
Follow the Sahara Reporters channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaFClvtH5JM6SSsP7M2Y
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings