The event, which was intended to show support for the young leader’s anti-imperialist stance, got a backlash after security agents allegedly picked up Kola and Hanson.
Human rights activist, Idokpayi Kola, popularly known as MarxistKola, and fellow activist Orako Hanson have been released from the custody of Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) following widespread public outcry over their arrest.
The duo was reportedly arrested and detained by the secret police for organising a peaceful procession in solidarity with Burkina Faso’s military leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré.
The event, which was intended to show support for the young leader’s anti-imperialist stance, got a backlash after security agents allegedly picked up Kola and Hanson.
The development was confirmed on Tuesday by Nigerian activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, via his official X account.
“The lawless @OfficialDSSNG has eaten a humble pie, @MarxistKola is free!” Sowore wrote.
Their arrest had been described by critics as an infringement on the right to peaceful assembly and expression. Their release is being celebrated by supporters and human rights advocates across the country.
Earlier, SaharaReporters reported that the High Court of Edo State, sitting in the Benin Judicial Division, had arraigned the duo on charges of inciting an unlawful procession in support of Burkina Faso’s military leader, Traoré.
In reaction to the development, Sowore condemned the actions of the DSS, accusing the agency of gross abuse of power and targeting dissenters.
According to a charge sheet dated May 2, 2025, and filed by the DSS, the duo was accused of organising a public gathering on April 30 in Benin City, during which they allegedly displayed a banner expressing solidarity with Traoré.
The one-count charge reads: “That you, Idokpayi Kola and Orako Hanson, on the 30th day of April, 2025, at Benin City within the Benin Judicial Division, did publicly exhibit a banner bearing details of a solidarity movement for Ibrahim Traoré, thereby inciting an unlawful procession, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 63(1)(b) of the Criminal Law of Edo State, 2022.”
The charge was brought under Section 63(1)(b), which criminalises any act that incites a breach of the peace through unauthorised processions or gatherings.
