In June, 2021, Balogun Olalekan, a prominent Nigerian human right activist was arrested by police officers iny his way home in Akure, Ondo State.
Leading to his arrest, Comrade Olalekan has been in the forefront of those clamouring for end to police brutality. He demanded for scrapping of a section of police, Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) who have on many occasions violated human rights of Nigerians.
According to Amnesty International, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) was responsible for hundreds of extrajudicial executions, other unlawful killings and enforced disappearances each year. This unlawful, reckless act didn’t go down well with Comrade Olalekan, hence, his demand to end police brutality in Nigeria.
Shortly after his arrest, he was immediately taken to Special Investigation Branch (SIB) Police Station, Alagbaje from where he was taken to Olokuta Medium Security Prison, Akure, Ondo State where he stayed for two years without trial.
He was denied access to his family and his lawyer. He was subjected to ill-treatment in police custody.
Following his arrest, the Ondo state police command said that he was detained on the orders of the Commissioner of Police, Ondo State, Bolaji Amidu Salami, for causing unrest in the state.
