Operatives of the Department of State Services have released an Ogun State–based pastor, Kayode Olawoye, and two of his associates following widespread public criticism over their detention.
Olawoye, who recently gained attention on social media for repeatedly highlighting the deplorable condition of some roads in the state, was taken into custody on Monday after honouring an invitation from the DSS.
A family source confirmed his release to PUNCH Metro on Tuesday night, saying the cleric and the two men who accompanied him regained their freedom after spending more than 24 hours in detention.
The pastor’s detention had earlier triggered concerns among relatives and rights advocates.
His wife, Shola Olawoye, had said he received a call from DSS officials on Sunday evening, asking him to report to the agency’s Ogun State office the next day for what was described as a “friendly interaction.”
She explained that her husband arrived at the office around 1:30pm on Monday but was subsequently held without access to his family, while efforts to reach him proved unsuccessful.
Two associates, identified as Benjamin Olaleye and Joshua, who accompanied him, were also detained.
Shola said she was repeatedly turned away when she visited the DSS office to inquire about her husband’s welfare, despite assurances that he would be released after questioning.
She added that the family suspected the detention was connected to Olawoye’s persistent advocacy for improved road infrastructure across the state.
Another family member disclosed that this was the third time the pastor had been invited by the DSS, noting that during previous visits he was questioned over whether he was sponsored to publicise the poor condition of roads in Ogun State, an allegation he reportedly denied on each occasion.
The detention drew condemnation on social media, with many Nigerians describing the action as an attempt to silence civic criticism.
Amnesty International Nigeria also faulted the DSS, describing the detention as unlawful and a violation of Olawoye’s rights.
In a statement on Tuesday, the organisation said peaceful advocacy and criticism of government policies should not attract intimidation, urging authorities to respect fundamental human rights.
Efforts to get official comments from the DSS were unsuccessful, as calls and messages to the state director were not returned as of the time of filing this report.
Similarly, the governor’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy could not be reached for a reaction.
By Tuesday night, however, the family confirmed that Olawoye and his associates had been freed, bringing an end to the incident that had sparked nationwide debate.