Two undergraduates of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife—Oladepo Joshua and Ejike Kelechi—who were detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) for staging a protest against the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, have been released. The students were freed in the late hours of Thursday, June 5, after sustained pressure from their colleagues and widespread public condemnation of their arrest.
Joshua and Kelechi had staged a peaceful demonstration during the minister’s visit to the university. Holding placards and chanting solidarity songs, the students called on Mr. Wike to compensate residents affected by demolitions carried out under his administration in the Federal Capital Territory. Their act of protest, which occurred while Wike was delivering a speech on campus, was met with swift action from DSS operatives who whisked the duo away from the venue.
After their arrest, the students were transferred to the Moore Police Division in Ile-Ife, Osun State. According to eyewitnesses, the students were not immediately charged with any offence, raising concerns among student unions and human rights organizations. “They were arrested for peacefully exercising their rights,” said a student who witnessed the arrest. “That’s deeply troubling in a democracy.”
Following the arrest, scores of OAU students marched to the Moore Police Division, demanding the unconditional release of their colleagues. The demonstration at the station grew tense as students threatened to shut down operations if the detained undergraduates were not released promptly. Their chants echoed through the night: “Free our comrades! No to intimidation!”
Under mounting pressure and fearing an escalation, the police released Joshua and Kelechi late Thursday night. The OAU Students’ Union later confirmed their release, stating, “We appreciate the solidarity of all students who stood firm against the unlawful detention. This is a victory for democratic expression and campus rights.”
The arrest had drawn criticism from several human rights activists and civic groups across Nigeria. Amnesty International Nigeria tweeted, “No student should be arrested for protesting peacefully. The right to free expression must be respected at all levels.” The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) also issued a statement demanding accountability from security agencies.
The incident has rekindled debates around student activism, freedom of expression, and the limits of state authority on university campuses. While the students have now regained their freedom, many observers insist that their arrest reflects a broader trend of shrinking civic space in Nigeria’s democratic landscape.
