The controversial arrest, which took place on Saturday, May 3, 2025, has sparked outrage among rights groups, civil society actors, and pan-Africanists across the continent, who have described it as a blatant act of political repression and an assault on fundamental rights.
Operatives of Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested Marxist activist and leader of the Talakawa Parliament, Comrade Kola Edokpayi, in Benin City, Edo State, over a proposed Pan-African solidarity rally in support of Burkina Faso’s revolutionary leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré.
The controversial arrest, which took place on Saturday, May 3, 2025, has sparked outrage among rights groups, civil society actors, and pan-Africanists across the continent, who have described it as a blatant act of political repression and an assault on fundamental rights.
Speaking to Bellnews, a source close to Edokpayi revealed the circumstances surrounding his arrest.
“He made arrangements for a solidarity rally. The Commissioner of Police called him a day before the rally and held a meeting with him to call it off. He complied and dispatched people to cancel the protest. But DSS and police operatives later stormed his office, broke in, and arrested about six people. Four were released, but they detained him and one other member.”
The planned rally, according to organisers, was part of a broader continental mobilisation in support of Captain Traoré’s defiant stance against French neo colonial influence in West Africa. Similar events were also scheduled to be held in countries like Ghana and South Africa.
Reacting to the arrest, the Edo State chapter of the Take It Back Movement (TIB) issued a strongly worded statement, demanding Edokpayi’s immediate and unconditional release.
“Comrade Edokpayi was arrested for expressing solidarity with the government of Burkina Faso led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré. This blatant act of political repression is not only unlawful but a direct attack on the constitutional rights of Nigerian citizens,” the statement read in part.
“He has consistently mobilised the masses under the platform of the Talakawa Parliament, a grassroots movement that champions the rights of ordinary Nigerians against elite exploitation.”
Signed by Comrade Hafiz Lawal, TIB’s Edo State Coordinator, the group further described the arrest as “legally indefensible and morally reprehensible,” accusing Nigerian security agencies of weaponising the state against dissenting voices.
“Freedom of thought, expression, and association are guaranteed under Sections 38, 39, and 40 of the 1999 Constitution. His show of support for Captain Ibrahim Traoré does not in any way justify his arrest,” the group insisted.Nigerian fashion
In a passionate statement shared online, one Pan-African activist stated: “Arresting Marxist Kola Edokpayi for a proposed solidarity walk in support of Ibrahim Traoré is totally uncalled for. Pan-Africanism shouldn’t be killed; it’s supposed to be encouraged by all African countries and leaders.
I remember Gaddafi, a true Pan-Africanist, who was betrayed by fellow Africans used by Western powers. Kola has done nothing wrong for standing for Africa. He must be released.”