Nigerian security forces have detained Michael Lenin, a key figure in the ongoing nationwide protests against economic hardship and poor governance. Lenin, who serves as the National Coordinator of the Youths Rights Campaign, was apprehended by operatives of the State Security Service (SSS) at his residence in Apo-Dutse, Abuja, late Sunday night.
Damilare Adenola, Director of Mobilization for the Take It Back Movement, confirmed the arrest to reporters on Monday morning.
Adenola stated, “Lawyers are already working to secure Mr. Lenin’s release.”
The arrest came hours after Lenin held a press conference criticizing President Bola Tinubu’s recent nationwide address. Lenin had described the President’s speech as “empty” and urged protesters to continue their demonstrations on Monday.
During the Sunday press conference, Lenin said, “The insistence that the protests are politically motivated shows a deep disconnection with the masses.”
He argued that Tinubu’s economic achievements “are for himself and his cronies and don’t reflect the reality of the Nigerian masses.”
Lenin also emphasized the planned continuation of the protests, stating, “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 10-day protest.”
The ongoing demonstrations, which began on August 1st, are scheduled to last until August 10th. Protesters have faced opposition from law enforcement, with reports of tear gas being used against demonstrators in Abuja on the first day of protests.
On the third day, police and SSS officials allegedly fired tear gas and live bullets at unarmed protesters and journalists at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, despite it being a court-approved location for the protest.
