JUST IN: DSS Detains #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria Protest Leader in Abuja

Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested Michael Lenin, one of the leaders of the ongoing EndBadGovernance protests in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Lenin was apprehended around 2 am on Monday at his residence in the Apo area of the FCT.

Damilare Adenola, Director of Mobilisation for the Take It Back Movement, confirmed the arrest to our correspondent. He alleged that the DSS raided Lenin’s house and assaulted him during the arrest. Adenola stated, “Lenin was arrested by the DSS during a raid on his house around 2 am. He was tortured in the presence of his family. We are demanding his immediate and unconditional release.”

As of the time of filing this report, DSS spokesperson Peter Afunanya had not responded to messages seeking comment.

Lenin, who serves as the National Coordinator of the Youth Rights Campaign, was vocal at a recent press briefing expressing disappointment with President Bola Tinubu’s recent broadcast. He criticized the President’s address, which he said demonstrated a disconnect with the realities faced by Nigerians.

Lenin stated, “We wish to express our sadness and deep disappointment at President Tinubu’s latest broadcast, his first address to the nation regarding the #EndBadGovernance protests. This comes after over three weeks of mobilizing and after scores of dead protesters and assaulted journalists from the first three days of protests. Many had requested that the President address the nation as the protest escalated, but his speech justified state violence against protesters and journalists while dismissing their demands.”

He also confirmed that the protests would continue on Monday, urging citizens to join in large numbers. “We call on Nigerians to continue these protests on Monday until our demands are met. The government’s use of violence and propaganda has failed. These are attempts to silence