Activist Raises Alarm Over Alleged Harassment, Remand After Calling for Minister’s Certificate Verification
An Ondo State–born activist, Emorioloye Owoyemi, has raised serious concerns over what he described as harassment and intimidation by security agencies following his call for the verification of the academic certificates of Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
Owoyemi alleged that a Federal High Court recently ordered his remand in prison custody after a dispute that reportedly arose from his persistent demand for transparency regarding the Minister’s academic credentials. According to him, his actions were driven by a commitment to accountability and responsible public service.
The activist further claimed that before the court’s decision, he was repeatedly harassed by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), whom he alleged were acting in connection with the issue he raised.
Reacting to the development, Owoyemi condemned what he described as the use of government institutions and legal mechanisms to pursue a case against a citizen who sought clarification on matters of public interest. He argued that filing charges in the name of the Federal Government; commonly styled as FRN vs. over such matters raises serious concerns about the potential misuse of power.
He called on the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to urgently review the case and discontinue any prosecution connected to the matter, whether in Akure, Enugu, or any other jurisdiction.
Owoyemi also expressed worry over what he described as a growing trend of intimidation of critics by some political office holders. According to him, certain officials within the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as some state governments, have allegedly resorted to using security agencies to silence dissenting voices.
In addition, he referenced separate allegations involving the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, in connection with the reported detention of lawyer Moses Odirrhi by the DSS and a subsequent prosecution that critics have described as controversial.
Owoyemi warned that such developments could weaken democratic values and discourage citizens from demanding accountability from those in positions of authority.
“In a democratic society, public officials must remain open to scrutiny and questions from the citizens they serve,” he stated. “If anyone is not ready for public accountability, such a person should reconsider accepting public office.”
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from the Minister of Interior or the DSS regarding the allegations raised by the activist.
Arogbo-Ibe Voice Reporters will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available.
“Efforts to reach the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the Department of State Services for comments were unsuccessful as of press time.”
