In a statement on Tuesday via X (formerly Twitter), the human rights group criticised Nigerian authorities, describing the actions of the Department of State Services (DSS) against Pastor Olawoye as “unlawful
Amnesty International has condemned what it called the “incessant intimidation and harassment” of Pastor Kayode Olawoye, a cleric and activist known for campaigning for better road infrastructure across Ogun State.
In a statement on Tuesday via X (formerly Twitter), the human rights group criticised Nigerian authorities, describing the actions of the Department of State Services (DSS) against Pastor Olawoye as “unlawful.”
“The Nigerian authorities must end the incessant intimidation and harassment of Pastor Kayode Olawoye, a cleric widely known for advocating for better road infrastructure in Ogun State,” the statement read.
The organisation emphasised that the government has a duty to protect citizens’ fundamental rights, urging authorities to address public concerns rather than punish activists.
“Subjecting a peaceful advocate for good governance to bizarre intimidation by the DSS is unlawful,” Amnesty International said.
The group noted that Pastor Olawoye’s activism is justified given the poor state of roads in the state and added, “Criticising Governor Dapo Abiodun is not a crime.”
Amnesty International called on Nigerian authorities to stop all harassment of Pastor Olawoye and respect the rights of citizens advocating for good governance.
SaharaReporters had earlier reported that Pastor Olawoye was detained by the DSS after his third invitation to their Abeokuta office on Monday. Unlike previous visits, he was not allowed to leave and has remained in custody.
The detention has sparked concerns among residents, who see it as part of a growing pattern of intimidation against citizens raising governance issues under Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration.
Pastor Olawoye had recently intensified his campaign for safer, motorable roads, highlighting the deteriorating condition of major routes and the daily struggles of commuters, traders, and residents through sermons, community outreach, and media appearances.
Residents allege that individuals who publicly criticise governance failures, especially at the local government level, have increasingly faced harassment, arrests, or threats.
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