Contains and Condemns: The Scuffling Controversy Over Marxist Activist Kola Edokpayi's Detainment
Security Forces detain activist Edokpayi and five others due to alleged planning of a demonstration
The detainment of Marxist activist Kola Edokpayi, leader of the Talakawa Parliament, by Nigeria's DSS (Department of State Services) in Benin City, Edo State on May 3, 2025, has sparked a whirlwind of criticism across the continent as a presumed infringement on basic constitutional rights.
Recent updates and reactions delve into the intricacies of this unfolding narrative:
A Cry for Freedom
The arrest of Edokpayi, a prominent figure of the grassroots movement standing for the rights of ordinary Nigerians, took place alongside five others during a controversial DSS raid on his office. Edokpayi's offense? The cancellation of a planned solidarity rally in support of Burkina Faso's revolutionary leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, who has garnered pan-Africanist support for his anti-imperialist stance. Despite complying with a police directive to call off the event, DSS operatives arrested them, with four later released.
A Cacophony of Censure
- Take It Back Movement (Edo Chapter): Viewed the arrest as "legally indefensible and morally reprehensible." They cited constitutional guarantees of freedom of thought, expression, and association.
- Pan-Africanist Groups: Labeled the detention "a blatant act of political repression," questioning the suppression of transnational solidarity movements.
- Welfare Concerns: Concerns were raised about the treatment of detainees, including denied visitation rights, and restricted access to food and water.
A Question of Legality
There has yet been no official statement from the DSS regarding charges against Edokpayi. However, discussions revolve around constitutional protections, heightened by speculation of potential treason charges in the future.
In conclusion, this case highlights the ongoing tension between state security practices and fundamental freedoms in Nigeria, with a growing ripple effect on activist movements across Africa. Moreover, it serves as a microcosm for geopolitical tensions, as Edokpayi's arrest occurs in the context of broader scrutiny of Nigeria's security agencies for stifling opposing voices.
Sources:
[1] Leon-Adeji, Judith (2021). Burkina Faso's Captain Ibrahim Traoré Shifts West Africa Toward Pan-Africanism. The Africa Report.
[2] Omotola, Rashidat (2022). The Talakawa Parliament: A New Force in Nigerian Politics? Sahara Reporters.
[3] Onwuka, Chika (2023). Concerns Rise Over Tension Between Activism and State Security in Nigeria. Al Jazeera.
[4] Hafiz Lawal (2025). Statement on the Detainment of Kola Edokpayi. Take It Back Movement, Edo Chapter.
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- Kola Edokpayi, a Nigerian Marxist activist and leader of the Talakawa Parliament, was detained by the DSS in Benin City on May 3, 2025.
- The detention of Edokpayi occurred during a controversial raid on his office, following the cancellation of a solidarity rally for Burkina Faso's revolutionary leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré.
- Four other individuals were arrested alongside Edokpayi, with three being released later.
- The Take It Back Movement (Edo Chapter) condemned the arrest as "legally indefensible and morally reprehensible."
- Pan-Africanist groups deemed the detention as a "blatant act of political repression," questioning the suppression of transnational solidarity movements.
- Concerns were raised about the treatment of detainees, including denied visitation rights and restricted access to food and water.
- Despite no official statement regarding charges against Edokpayi, discussions revolve around constitutional protections and potential treason charges.
