By Jonathan Ugbal
The Nigerian Police has moved rights activist, Odey Oyama and six others arrested with him from the Ikom division of the Cross River State Police Command to Calabar, the State’s capital.
Mr. Oyama, the Executive Director of the Rainforest Resource and Development Center who served as Chairman of the Cross River Anti-Deforestation Committee, was arrested in a gestapo-styled operation on Tuesday morning in Okuni, Ikom Local Government, by the Okuni Area Command of the force.
READ ALSO: Police Arrest Activist, Odey Oyama, Six Others In Cross River
He was then moved to Ikom division and is now being moved to Calabar, family members tell CrossRiverWatch.
“People who have seen him keep saying the Police did not list him among their detainees, so no one knows exactly why he was arrested,” a family member said.
“The police team is currently en route to Calabar with him. Meanwhile, his offense has yet to be disclosed to him, more than 24 hours after his arrest,” a message shared with family members and made available to CrossRiverWatch reads.
Oyama has been a vocal critic of the government and the handling of the deforestation of the State’s forest reserves.
Earlier efforts to reach the Area Commander, ACP Franklin Akalaonu, failed as calls to his line did not connect. Also, when contacted, the Police Spokesperson in the State, SP Irene Ugbo, said she was yet to briefed on the issue and reiterated the Command’s position on ensuring the peace and security of everyone.
More details later…
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