The Department of State Services (DSS) has officially denied reports of the arrest of Juwon Sanyaolu, an activist and organizer of the recent Democracy Day protest. These rumors surfaced following Sanyaolu's visible role in the nationwide demonstrations calling for better governance and accountability from the Nigerian government.
Sanyaolu , known for his advocacy on social justice issues, was rumored to have been detained by the DSS, sparking widespread concern among human rights groups and the public. However, in a recent statement, the DSS clarified that no such arrest had been made and emphasized their commitment to lawful operations and respect for citizens' rights. The Democracy Day protests, held annually on June 12 to commemorate Nigeria's return to civilian rule, saw thousands of Nigerians taking to the streets. Demonstrators voiced their discontent with various socio-political issues, including rising insecurity, economic hardship, and perceived governmental inefficiencies.
The DSS's denial aims to quell the growing unrest and fears of government crackdowns on dissent. Human rights organizations continue to monitor the situation closely, urging the government to respect the rights of peaceful protesters and avoid any actions that could be seen as intimidation or suppression of free speech. This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between the Nigerian government and civil society activists, reflecting broader challenges in balancing security concerns with the protection of democratic freedoms. The DSS's statement is a step towards addressing these concerns, though it remains to be seen how the government will manage future protests and the demands for reform from its citizens.