Following last week arrest and subsequent detention of popular activist, Martins Vincent Otse popularly know as Very Dark Man, (VDM) in Abuja by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC and the arrest of Comrade Kola Edokpayi by DSS in Benin, Concerned Edo Citizens Forum has joined the call for their immediate release.
Edokpayi, an activists was arrested in Benin while preparing to stage a solidarity protest in support of Captain Ibrahim Traore, the President of Burkina Faso, and against imperialism and neo-colonialism.
According to sources, the DSS operatives invaded Edokpayi’s office, ransacked it, and arrested him and several others.
The action was reportedly taken despite the fact that the Commissioner of Police, Edo State, had already met with Edokpayi and his team the previous day, and the planned protest was called off.
However, rising from an emergency meeting of Concerned Edo Citizens Forum (CECF) held in Benin City on Sunday the group noted with serious concerns the harassment, intimidation, and the subsequent arrest of our two prominent activists, Comrade kola Edokpayi and Very Dark Man.
The convener, Comrade Roy Oribhabor in a statement demanded the immediate release of the activists adding that their continuous detention violate their fundamental human rights.
He demanded, ” We call on the security agents to immediately release our dear sons, who have, over the years, demonstrated great love for Nigeria and Nigerians for better society.
“These are personalities who have devoted their time,energy, and resources to agitate for egalitarian society through advocacy.
“Therefore, we are seriously bothered over this development to incarcerate them via demonic shenanigans and unholy gimmick to undermine their efforts to make society a better place.
“We hereby call on prominent men and women of goodwill to intervene and also, the executive Governor of Edo State to his contacts to release our dear sons accordingly.
“Edo people have been very critical about Nigeria development and wellbeing, it’s on records that Chief Anthony Enahoro, the man who moved a motion for independence is from Edo State therefore, activism has been rooted in Edo State over years.Very Dark Man and Kola Edokpayi are only exhibiting their fundamental human rights to agitate for the commoners and downtrodden in the society.
