The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested former House of Representatives member, Comrade Usman Okai Austin, for his outspoken criticism of Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo. Okai, a vocal activist and politician, was reportedly taken from his residence on Wednesday in a manner described as “gestapo” by fellow activist Omoyele Sowore.
Sowore shared the news on X (formerly Twitter), condemning the arrest and alleging that Okai was detained for simply expressing his views against the Kogi State governor. Sowore labeled the DSS’s actions as lawless and called for Okai’s immediate release, emphasizing that the security forces were acting as mercenaries for corrupt political figures like Governor Ododo and Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
Okai has been an outspoken critic of Ododo’s administration, most recently accusing the state’s Accountant General, Habiba Onumoko, of overstepping her constitutional duties. He claimed that Onumoko and her “cabal” were taking control of the administration, leading to financial mismanagement and interference in governance. Okai’s arrest has sparked outrage among activists, calling attention to the increasing political repression in the region.
