Secrets Reporters
An appointee of Ahmed Usman Ododo, the governor of Kogi State, Habibat Oyiza Tijjani who is the State Accountant-General is facing serious allegations of human rights violations following the arrest and prolonged detention of Abdul Hameed, a young man from Ihima, Eika axis of Okehi local government of the state.
SecretsReporters gathered that the arrest, which occurred approximately three months ago, has sparked widespread condemnation as Hameed’s whereabouts remain unknown.
The case came to public attention after UK-based activist Ogawahab Aliu raised concerns in an Ebira-language podcast captioned “Dear Hajia Habibat – Kogi state accountant general, please release the young man you arrested.” Aliu demanded Hameed’s immediate release or proper arraignment in court.
Facebook user Salami Rufus Ohiani corroborated the allegation, stating: “This guy, whose Facebook name is Ododo D’Flower Boiz Vanguard, was allegedly arrested by the Kogi State Accountant General over a Facebook post 2-3 months ago without any charges or court trial. This is a scary society where there’s no justice between the higher and lower classes.”
The controversy stems from a February 13th Facebook post where Hameed criticized Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s association with activist Austin Okai and accused Habibat Oyiza Tijjani of overstepping her authority. The lengthy post questioned her treatment of local government officials and alleged undue influence in state affairs.
Hassan Kisqo, who claims familiarity with the Accountant-General, offered a different perspective: “I confirmed the guy was taken to court to prove his allegations and he couldn’t. He’s there on court order, not Hajia’s directive.” However, no official court documents have been presented to verify this claim.
The case has reignited concerns about political repression in the state, with many claiming to have suffered similar fates in the past. One Facebook user, Usman Usman, wrote, “Thank God they know who made this arrest. My own brother was abducted during the last political dispensation and has been missing ever since.” Another user, Zubair Adeiza Kabir, added, “I know of three boys who were arrested during FGYB’s reign, and to this day, we have neither seen nor heard from them. This has become a norm in Ebira land, and yet, everyone seems to accept it.”
Medical professional DS Ømêizá condemned the detention, stating, “For 2-3 months, you’ve locked up someone’s son without trial using government influence. This is beyond forgiveness.”
Lawal Wahab, a commentator, stated that Hameed was remanded by court order and that his family was unable to meet the bail conditions. However, human rights lawyers contend that prolonged detention without trial infringes on Sections 35 (right to personal liberty), 36 (right to fair hearing), and 39 (freedom of expression) of Nigeria’s Constitution.
While Hameed was last active online on February 17, the Kogi State government has yet to issue an official statement addressing allegations of his dentention.
Attempts to contact the Office of the Accountant General in Kogi state for immediate clarification on Hameed’s status and whereabouts were unsuccessful at press time, even as calls for accountability intensify in what is increasingly seen as a troubling case of potential political persecution in Kogi state under the administration of Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo.