A Magistrate Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, has ordered the remand of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Comrade Usman Okai Austin, at Kabba Correctional Centre for two weeks.
The court issued the remand order after Okai’s appearance on Friday, February 28, 2025.
Okai’s arrest and subsequent remand have sparked controversy, with many alleging that his detention is a result of his outspoken criticism of the Kogi State government.
Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore claimed that the Department of State Services (DSS) had agreed to release Okai on Thursday but instead took him to Lokoja, where his safety is not guaranteed.
The Kogi Conscience Liberation Movement (KCLM) has condemned Okai’s arrest, characterizing it as an act of intimidation and a flagrant violation of democracy and human rights.
The group demanded Okai’s immediate and unconditional release, insisting that any valid charges against him should be addressed through proper legal channels.
Okai’s wife reported that the DSS did not present an arrest warrant during their operation, further fueling concerns about the legality of his detention.
