Idowu Adebomi
In the wake of a major protest that rocked Akure, the Ondo State capital, on Tuesday, the state government has reportedly intervened to calm tensions surrounding the detention of the President of the Akoko Youth Forum, Blessing James Akeju, along with two others, at the Olokuta Correctional Facility.
The demonstration saw hundreds of young people take to the streets, voicing their outrage over what they described as a gross misuse of authority by the Attorney General of Ondo State, Mr Kayode Ajulo.
In a statement issued by former Senate President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Akinteye Babatunde, Mr Ajulo was accused of abusing his office by allegedly fast-tracking the imprisonment of Mr Akeju and his two colleagues.
On Tuesday, Akeju took to his social media platforms to reveal that he, along with Yaya Oluwabisolami and Adeniran Adesunloye, had been detained on the directive of the Attorney General over allegations of cyberbullying.
Carrying placards and banners, the protesting youths sang chants of solidarity and vowed to continue their demonstrations until their colleagues were freed.
Their outcry appears to have had an impact, as the court hearing originally scheduled for 16 April 2025 has now been brought forward to 10 April 2025.
Copies of the updated hearing notice were shared with journalists and widely circulated across social media. A source close to the state government disclosed that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has stepped in to mediate between both parties. According to the source, it is expected that the issue will be resolved amicably following tomorrow’s court session.
