Journalist and human rights activist, Obi Joepaul Akat-Osowo, has been released after spending a week in illegal detention at Zone 6 Police Command in Calabar, Cross River State.
Akat-Osowo, a vocal critic of the government and a prominent figure in the Obidient movement, was freed on December 16, 2024.
His detention reportedly left him with a worsened spinal cord condition, raising concerns about his treatment during custody.
Akat-Osowo, known for his hard stance against corruption and bad governance, has been targeted repeatedly, facing eight arrests by various security agencies between 2023 and 2024.
His criticism of the Cross River State government led to pressure on his employers, resulting in his dismissal from a local radio station.
This move was allegedly orchestrated by the state government, which threatened to revoke the station’s operational license if they retained him.
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Following his dismissal, Akat-Osowo turned to farming to sustain himself, but even that avenue was sabotaged.
His farm was reportedly invaded and destroyed by unidentified persons, further crippling his means of livelihood.
His detention on December 9 also coincided with the start of his PhD exams, causing him to miss all the scheduled tests, which ended on December 14.
Human rights advocates and supporters worked tirelessly to secure his release, ensuring he did not spend the Christmas and New Year holidays in detention.
Akat-Osowo’s case has drawn attention to the growing clampdown on journalists and activists in Cross River State, sparking calls for accountability and justice.
The activist’s ordeal highlights the challenges faced by journalists and critics of government policies in Nigeria, with advocates urging for an end to the systematic harassment and suppression of dissenting voices. Akat-Osowo’s health condition and future prospects now remain uncertain following his release.
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