Nigeria police release leaders of Peter Obi support groups

The Akwa Ibom State Command of the Nigeria Police Force has released nine detainees, including leaders of the Obi-Kwankwaso (OK) and Obidient movements, following a 24-hour detention in Uyo.

The arrests occurred due to a dispute surrounding a planned political procession on October 1, Nigeria’s Independence Day. The police command had issued a directive for political groups to reschedule rallies and meetings on that date, citing intelligence that such gatherings could threaten public peace. While the police maintained the directive was a general security measure, organizers disputed the circumstances of the arrests and the dispersal of supporters.

Elijah Noah, coordinator of the OK Movement, and Ben Smith, state coordinator of the Obidient Movement, were among those held. Noah stated that after meeting with Commissioner of Police Baba Azare, organizers had initially agreed to reschedule the march, but tensions arose when supporters gathered for the event.