In a recent development, human rights attorney Deji Adeyanju has located activist and politician Usman Okai Austin at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Abuja.

Austin was reportedly taken from his Abuja residence in a forceful manner by DSS operatives, who allegedly did not present an arrest warrant during the operation.

Omoyele Sowore, a prominent activist and former presidential candidate, has publicly condemned Austin’s detention. Sowore asserts that the DSS’s actions are a response to allegations made by Austin against Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo.

According to Sowore, Governor Ododo was displeased with Austin’s claims that he had illicitly acquired ₦13 billion since assuming office and sought the DSS’s assistance to interrogate Austin regarding these accusations.

Also, Sowore criticized the DSS’s involvement, describing it as an abuse of power and a tactic to suppress citizens demanding accountability. He stated, “This is an utterly ridiculous reason to arrest Austin Okai… the DSS must release Usman Okai Austin immediately!”

A video obtained by SaharaReporters shows heavily armed security operatives storming Okai’s residence in Abuja and forcefully taking him away. His wife confirmed that the DSS operatives did not present any warrant for his arrest.

As of now, the DSS has not issued an official statement regarding Austin’s arrest, and calls for his immediate release continue to grow.

Governor Usman Ododo has previously faced allegations of corruption. A group of Kogi state indigenes recently accused him of diverting ₦13.4 billion and demanded immediate restitution.