Activists MarxistKola, Hanson Released After DSS Arrest Over Rally Supporting Burkina Faso Leader

Human rights activists Idokpayi Kola, popularly known as MarxistKola, and Orako Hanson have been released from custody after being detained by Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) for leading a solidarity rally in support of Burkina Faso’s military leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré.

Their arrest drew widespread condemnation from civil society groups and rights advocates who saw it as a violation of the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and expression. The duo had organised a peaceful procession in Benin City on April 30, displaying a banner in support of Traoré’s anti-imperialist stance—a move that reportedly led to their arrest.

The DSS accused them of inciting an unlawful procession under Section 63(1)(b) of the Criminal Law of Edo State, 2022. The charge, according to a court document, stated they “publicly exhibited a banner bearing details of a solidarity movement for Ibrahim Traoré,” an action deemed capable of breaching public peace.

Their release was confirmed on Tuesday by activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore via his official X (formerly Twitter) account. “The lawless @OfficialDSSNG has eaten a humble pie, @MarxistKola is free!” he wrote.

The development follows growing calls from human rights organisations for their immediate release, with critics labelling the charges as politically motivated and an overreach by state authorities. The case had earlier been brought before the Edo State High Court in Benin.

Supporters have welcomed the release as a victory for civic freedom, while legal observers continue to question the basis of the arrest, calling on the Nigerian government to uphold democratic principles and end the crackdown on peaceful dissent.