Police Move Detained Activist Odey Oyama, Others To Calabar, Silent On ‘Offence’ Over 24 Hours After Arrest-Report
Report says Nigerian police force from Ikom division has moved Rights activist Odey Oyama, along with six others, to the Cross River State Police Command in Calabar, the state capital.
Oyama, who serves as the Executive Director of the Rainforest Resource and Development Center and Chairman of the Cross River Anti-Deforestation Committee, was arrested in a surprise operation on Tuesday morning in Okuni, Ikom Local Government.
According to CrossRiverWatch, Oyama was not listed among the police detainees, leaving his family and supporters uncertain about the reasons for his arrest, citing family members.
Furthermore, over 24 hours have passed since his arrest, and he has yet to be informed of his offence.
“The police team is currently en route to Calabar with him. Meanwhile, his offence has yet to be disclosed to him, more than 24 hours after his arrest,” a message shared with family members and obtained by CrossRiverWatch reads.
Oyama has been an outspoken critic of the government’s handling of deforestation in the state’s forest reserves.
His arrest has raised concerns about the government’s response to environmental activism and criticism.
Meanwhile, police spokesperson in the state, SP Irene Ugbo, said she was yet to be briefed on the issue.
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