The Department of State Services (DSS) has issued a statement denying the arrest of activist Juwon Sanyaolu, who was one of the organizers of the June 12 Democracy Day protest.
Reports on social media suggested that Sanyaolu was allegedly picked up by security agents in an undisclosed location in Lagos.
In a distress message sent to The PUNCH via WhatsApp on Tuesday night, Sanyaolu wrote, "I have been arrested (by the) police." His phone lines subsequently became unreachable.
When contacted for a reaction, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, claimed to be unaware of such a report. Hundeyin, in a telephone conversation, stated, "I don't have that information. I'm not aware of it at all."
A source within the state police command, speaking on the condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to comment on the matter, suggested that Sanyaolu's arrest may not have been carried out by the police.
The source explained, "It could be officials of the Department of State Services. It could also be police officers outside the state command. You know the police force is fragmented. So sometimes it can be hard to know which division carried out some activity."
However, the DSS has categorically denied arresting or inviting Sanyaolu, who is the coordinator of the Take It Back Movement.
The DSS wrote in a statement on its X handle, "Juwon Sanyaolu, Coordinator of TAKE IT BACK MOVEMENT is NOT with the DSS. He was NOT invited, arrested or detained by the Service."
The denial from the DSS raises questions about the circumstances surrounding Sanyaolu's disappearance and the conflicting reports from various sources.
The situation remains unclear, and further investigation may be necessary to determine the truth behind the alleged arrest of the activist.
