M. Pedro. C

SSS must immediately release Rilwan Olawale, who was tortured, dehumanized and arrested on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at the behest of INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Lagos, Professor Ayobami Salami. He has been in detention since then, without lawful basis. Rilwan Olawale has not committed any crime, and his arrest cannot be justified under the law. Salami claims that Rilwan sent him critical messages on WhatsApp. Now, INEC itself published Salami’s name, official phone number and address in his capacity as REC in Lagos. I have seen the messages sent by Rilwan and there is nothing offensive about it. That a supporter of a major political opposition in the country demanded accountability and transparency in the conduct of elections through the same WhatsApp channel is not and cannot be regarded as a crime. The SSS is hellbent on continuing Rilwan’s detention until it receives orders from Salaami to the contrary. This kind of political intimidation is no longer tolerable. Both the SSS and Salami are not above the law. The question is: Was REC Salami planning to rig the election in Lagos? If the answer is in the negative, why was the old man triggered by voices of reason demanding that elections should be conducted freely and fairly in Lagos? Demands for electoral accountability are protected forms of expression under Section 39 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), and should not warrant arrest and detention. The Cybercrimes Act must also not be weaponized to suppress free expression or silence activists. What is more? The continuous detention of Rilwan Olawale for over four days is unconstitutional, illegal, arbitrary and an abuse of power. Accordingly, we demand that the SSS immediately release Rilwan Olawale, apologize to him and pay him substantial compensation for the breach of his human rights. Let me also mention very quickly that Professor Ayobami Salami will be held accountable for the wanton violation of Rilwan Olawale’s fundamental rights. I hope his legal team will be prepared for this. #FreeRilwanOlawaleNow Festus Ogun, Esq Managing Partner, FOLEGAL Senior Counsel, Foundation for Digital Justice October 29 2026