A supporter of the Obidient Movement in Lagos, Rilwan Olawale, has been released from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Lagos State governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Funso Doherty, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, saying he visited Olawale over the weekend after his release.
Olawale was allegedly arrested by armed men who identified themselves as DSS operatives in the early hours of October 25.
Doherty had raised the alarm over the incident, describing Olawale as a strong NDC supporter associated with the Obidient Movement, which supports the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
At the time, the governorship candidate said the circumstances surrounding the arrest were unclear and there was no official confirmation of Olawale’s whereabouts.
He also disclosed that efforts were underway to establish the facts surrounding the incident, adding that the party was in contact with Olawale’s family and legal counsel to secure access to him.
In his latest statement, Doherty expressed delight at Olawale’s release and reunion with his loved ones.
“It was heartwarming to see him reunited with those who care about him,” he said.
He also thanked everyone who expressed concern and solidarity with Olawale during his detention.
The NDC governorship candidate reiterated the need for law enforcement agencies to operate within the law and respect the fundamental human rights of Nigerians.
“we believe in a Nigeria where law enforcement agencies pursue their mandates legitimately while diligently respecting and protecting the legal and fundamental human rights of every Nigerian,” he added.
Meanwhile, NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi had on October 26 demanded Olawale’s immediate release, describing the alleged harassment of his supporters across the country as disturbing and unacceptable.
Obi, in a statement, accused President Bola Tinubu of benefiting from democracy while allegedly undermining it through violence and intimidation.
He demanded transparency over Olawale’s arrest, respect for his rights and an end to what he described as politically motivated harassment.
The former Anambra State governor, however, maintained that his campaign would remain peaceful and issue-driven, insisting that Nigerians must be free to support candidates of their choice without intimidation.
“We will remain peaceful but resolute. We will not resort to violence, but we will stand firmly and lawfully against every attempt to undermine our democratic rights,” Obi said.
