The family of Lukman Abbas Oricha, a youth leader in Ajaokuta, Kogi State, is calling for his immediate release and justice, after being detained incommunicado by the Department of State Services (DSS) for over five months without any formal charges.
Lukman, the President of the Ebira Youth Congress (EYC), Ajaokuta chapter, was arrested in the early hours of February 7, 2025, at his home in Kaduna Estate, Ajaokuta. His sister, Mariam Abbas, told *SaharaReporters* that DSS operatives led by Mr. Shagi Jonathan — the former head of DSS in Ajaokuta — carried out the arrest without providing any reason.
She explained that Lukman had visited the DSS office the night before his arrest, though he gave no details about the purpose of his visit. Prior to that, he had been approached by members of the community, particularly from the Muslim sector, to intervene in the case of one Abdulkareem, who had earlier been detained by the DSS. Lukman was eventually made head of a community-led committee formed to follow up on Abdulkareem’s case, which the family suspects may be linked to his arrest.
Since that day, Lukman’s whereabouts have remained unknown. His family said the DSS initially told his wife that he was being transferred to Abuja and promised to make contact, but they’ve heard nothing since. Local DSS officials have denied holding him, while DSS headquarters in Abuja has not responded to the family’s inquiries.
Mariam revealed that several attempts to get legal help have led nowhere. The family has spent over N700,000 on legal fees, hired multiple lawyers, and sent petitions to Abuja, all without success. One of the lawyers reportedly defrauded the family, while others have taken no further steps after initial efforts. A relative working with the group Ebira Voice Worldwide has also been in Abuja for two months trying to trace Lukman, with no progress.
The family is demanding that Lukman be either charged in court or released immediately. Mariam voiced deep concern for his welfare, especially since he is the primary provider for two wives, young children, and several orphans. His absence, she said, has led to significant suffering — including the deaths of two family members whose medical care he had been supporting.
“Our parents are old and tired,” she said. “He’s a strong advocate for the youth. If he’s guilty of anything, they should present him in court, not keep him hidden.”
The family insists that detaining Lukman without access to legal representation or communication is a violation of his rights and is pleading with authorities to act swiftly before further harm is done.
