The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Ondo State Government, demanding the unconditional release of student activists allegedly detained at the Olokuta Correctional Facility. Among those named is Comrade Blessing Akeju, who NANS claims is being held on politically motivated and trumped-up charges.
The ultimatum was issued in a strongly worded statement by the NANS President, Comrade Olushola Oladoja, on Wednesday. The student body accused the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Kayode Ajulo, of weaponising legal processes to suppress dissenting student voices.
“This is not a threat, but a declaration of intent,” Oladoja said, warning that failure to comply would trigger a national protest tagged #OccupyOndoGovernmentHouse, beginning with mass mobilisation across campuses and cities.
NANS described the continued detention of the students as a “direct assault on the freedom of expression and assembly,” both of which are constitutionally protected. The organisation also slammed Barr. Ajulo, describing his actions as hypocritical, given his past advocacy for human rights and democratic values.
“It is a shame that someone who once branded himself a defender of civil liberties is now complicit in acts of oppression. His actions have turned the law into a tool of suppression,” the statement read.
The group further criticised the silence of the Ondo State Government on the matter, labelling it as tacit support for the alleged abuse of legal authority.
According to the statement, NANS remains committed to defending the rights of students nationwide and will not tolerate any intimidation or persecution of its members. “An injury to one is an injury to all,” it reiterated.
As of the time of this report, there has been no official response from the Ondo State Government or the Attorney General’s office regarding the allegations or the ultimatum.
