THE OPPRESSION OF THE CIVIC SPACE MUST BE COMBATED’ – COMRADE AGBODEMU WALKS FREE

Spaces for Change | S4C is pleased to announce the release on bail of Comrade Agbodemu Ishola Musbau, the vibrant community leader in Otto Lagos Mainland community who was detained on May 9th 2024 and arraigned in court on May 10th 2024 on charges of “breach of peace by offensive publication, publication of false news and hateful statements”. His arrest came at the behest of certain powerful individuals with interest in his community, who had petition the Nigerian Police Force, alleging cyberbullying, following his continued protest on his social media handle, of the illegal demolition and burning of houses, which displaced over 4000 people, including women and children.

The ordeal of Comrade Agbodemu raises, once more, the need for the continued defence of the civic space against the act of oppression from state and non-state actors.  Moreover, the protestation of Comrade Agbodemu of the illegal demolition and displacement of the residents of Otto Community, remains a fundamental human right protected by the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and other international human rights instruments.

Spaces for Change | S4C has actively put in the necessary efforts to not only secure the Comrade’s bail but to represent him throughout the subsistence of this charge in court. In keeping with our resolution to continue to defend the civic space, even in the housing and urban governance sphere.

S4C will continue to show its support for the pursuit of justice for not just Comrade Agbodemu, but for the residents of the Otto Community who have been devastated by the forced evictions and displacements they have faced in recent times. We remain resolute in our desire to combat the forces that threatens the civic space.

SIGNED:

VICTORIA IBEZIM-OHAERI

Executive Director, Spaces for Change | S4C