Amnesty International Slams DSS Over Alleged Harassment of Ogun Pastor Demanding Better Roads
Amnesty International has condemned what it described as the “incessant intimidation and harassment” of Pastor Kayode Olawoye by Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) following his advocacy for improved road infrastructure in Ogun State.
In a statement shared on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, the global human rights organisation said the actions taken against the cleric and civic advocate were unlawful and unacceptable in a democratic society. Amnesty stressed that Pastor Olawoye’s campaign for safer and motorable roads is a legitimate call for good governance, not a criminal offence.
According to the organisation, Nigerian authorities should focus on addressing citizens’ concerns rather than targeting peaceful activists. It warned that subjecting a vocal advocate to repeated DSS invitations and eventual detention amounts to a violation of fundamental human rights, including freedom of expression.
Pastor Olawoye was reportedly invited to the DSS office in Abeokuta for what was described as a “chat,” but unlike previous occasions, he was not allowed to leave and has since been detained. His arrest has sparked outrage among residents, who see it as part of a growing pattern of intimidation against critics of Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration.
Amnesty International urged the government to immediately end all forms of harassment against the pastor and to respect the rights of citizens demanding accountability, stressing that criticizing poor governance—especially over deplorable road conditions—is not a crime.
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