Release Our Leaders or Face Nationwide Protests, Obidient Movement Warns

The Obidient Movement has warned of possible nationwide protests over the continued detention of its Akwa Ibom State Coordinator, Dr Ben Smith, and Obi-Kwankwaso Movement coordinator, Elijah Noah, who were reportedly arrested during a political march in Uyo.

The development followed the arrest of the two coordinators during a confrontation between security operatives and supporters of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

The movement described the arrests as unacceptable and accused the police of attempting to restrict peaceful political activities.

Its position was contained in a statement issued by its Media and Communications Directorate and shared through its official X account.

According to the group, Smith, Noah and several other supporters were arrested while taking part in, or supporting, a political procession that was intended to be peaceful.

The movement argued that the arrests amounted to an infringement on citizens’ constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and political expression.

It subsequently called for the immediate and unconditional release of the two coordinators and any other members who remained in detention.

The group also warned that failure to release the detained supporters could result in protests beyond Akwa Ibom State.

In the statement, the movement said it condemned the arrest of Smith, Noah and other members during what it described as a peaceful march.

The group further maintained that political affiliation with the Obidient Movement did not constitute an offence and accused the authorities of intimidation and harassment.

It also called on the Akwa Ibom State Police Command to release those arrested and end what it described as the harassment of opposition supporters.

The movement alleged that the incident was politically motivated and held the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the state police command responsible for what it called an unnecessary provocation.

However, the police gave a different account of the events.

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command had earlier directed political parties, groups and associations to suspend or reschedule rallies, meetings and processions planned for October 1.

The command said the directive was based on security intelligence indicating that political gatherings could potentially be exploited to cause disorder or threaten public peace.

According to the police, the OK Movement had sought approval to organise a two-million-man march in Uyo on October 1.

Commissioner of Police Baba Azare said the command subsequently met with the organisers and advised them to select another date because of concerns about possible clashes with other political activities planned for the period.

Azare said the organisers initially agreed to postpone the procession but later proceeded with the march despite the directive.

He explained that those who participated were arrested for investigation, adding that anyone found to have violated the police directive could face prosecution.

The police also dismissed reports that firearms were used during the operation.

The command’s spokesperson, Timfon John, said no shooting occurred during the incident and maintained that police officers did not fire their weapons.

Noah was reportedly arrested during the disruption of the procession.

Smith was later said to have been arrested after visiting the police station alongside other supporters to seek the release of Noah and other detained members.

The reported arrest of Smith further intensified the disagreement between the political movement and the police over the cancelled procession.

Before his arrest, Smith had expressed concerns about the decision to stop the planned march.

He claimed that organisers had spent more than N20 million on mobilisation, branding and logistics across Akwa Ibom’s 31 local government areas.

The procession was organised by supporters of Obi and Kwankwaso as part of political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections. Obi is the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), with Kwankwaso serving as his running mate.

The Obidient Movement has maintained that its activities were intended to remain peaceful.

In its latest statement, the group said the arrests should not be used to discourage citizens from participating in lawful political activities.

It warned that continued detention or harassment of its members could lead to demonstrations in other parts of the country.

The movement also appealed to the authorities to resolve the matter quickly and prevent further escalation.

Peter Obi has also weighed in on the controversy, condemning the reported arrests and expressing concern over what he described as restrictions on political expression.

The former Anambra State governor argued that Nigeria’s Independence celebrations would have little meaning if citizens could not freely express their political views within the law.

Obi said reports of citizens being arrested because of their political affiliation should concern Nigerians who value democratic rights.

He called for a political environment in which citizens can hold and express differing political opinions without fear of intimidation.