Obidient Movement Denounces Police Arrests in Akwa Ibom

The Obidient Movement condemned the arrest of its Akwa Ibom State Coordinator, Dr Ben Smith, the State Coordinator of the OK Movement, Mr Elijah Noah, and other members during a peaceful march in Akwa Ibom State. In a statement signed by Mr. Onyeka Dike from the Media and Communications Directorate, the group described the arrests as unlawful, accusing the Nigeria Police of intimidation and harassment against citizens exercising their constitutional rights.

The movement asserted that the protesters' only offense was identifying as members or supporters of the Obidient Movement, which it claims is a legitimate political expression protected by the Nigerian Constitution. The group demanded the immediate and unconditional release of the detained individuals and accused the Akwa Ibom State Police Command and the All Progressives Congress of provoking the situation.

The Obidient Movement warned that continued arrests could lead to wider protests and emphasized the need for authorities to respect citizens' rights to peaceful assembly and expression.