The State Security Service (SSS) has stated that Michael Adaramoye Lenin, the protest leader arrested in Abuja, is not in their custody.
“The DSS can confirm that Adaramoye Michael (aka Michael Lenin) is not in its custody,” the agency declared in a brief statement posted on X on Monday. However, the service did not explicitly deny arresting him from his home at midnight, as claimed by his fellow protest leaders.
Mr. Adaramoye, who serves as the National Coordinator of the Youths Rights Campaign, was reportedly taken from his Apo residence in Nigeria’s capital city, Abuja. Damilare Adenola, the Director of Mobilisation for the Take It Back Movement, informed reporters on Monday morning about the arrest.
He stated, “The secret police arrested Mr. Adaramoye at midnight in his Apo-Dutse residence in Abuja.” Adenola added that their legal team was working to secure his release. The SSS also announced the apprehension of tailors in Kano State responsible for producing Russian flags being distributed in the city.
“Some of their sponsors have also been picked. Investigation is ongoing,” the agency reported.
Prior to his arrest, Mr. Adaramoye had held a press conference on Sunday, responding to President Bola Tinubu’s nationwide address. He described the President’s speech as “empty” and urged protesters to continue their demonstrations on Monday.
During the briefing, Adaramoye stated, “The insistence that the protests are politically motivated shows a deep disconnection with the masses.” He argued that the economic achievements listed by Mr. Tinubu benefited only the President and his associates, failing to reflect the reality faced by ordinary Nigerians.
Adaramoye concluded the press conference by declaring, “Tomorrow, we will be out en masse. Our people will be out to further the protests because the protests continue. As we all recall, it is a ten-day protest.”
