Saturday, August 15, 2026
Lagos, Nigeria.
Police authorities must immediately release social critic and activist, Denis Odama, who was arrested in Lagos on August 9, 2026, over allegations relating to the cy-berbullying and harassment of Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu.
Odama’s demand for accountability, transparency and good governance in Cross River State is not a crime. Criticism of elected public officials and demands for accountability are protected forms of expression under Section 39 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and should not warrant arrest and detention. The Cybercrimes Act must not be weaponized to suppress free expression or silence civic commentary.
Holding Mr. Odama in police custody for four days prior to his court appearance on August 13, 2026, constitutes a violation of Section 35 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the right to personal liberty. Using police powers and remand orders to penalize public scrutiny of public officials is not only an abuse of judicial process but is inconsistent with democratic principles and Nigeria’s international human rights obligations.
We, therefore, call on the Inspector-General of Police, the Attorney-General of Cross River State, and Governor Bassey Otu to take steps to secure Denis Odama’s immediate release and to ensure that his constitutional rights are fully respected.
Our lawyers are part of Denis Odama’s defence team and are working tirelessly to secure his release and protect his fundamental rights.
