Obidient Movement threatens nationwide protests over arrests in Akwa Ibom

The Obidient Movement has threatened to mobilise supporters for nationwide protests following the reported arrest of its Akwa Ibom State Coordinator, Dr Ben Smith, and the state coordinator of the Obi-Kwankwaso (OK) Movement, Elijah Noah, in Uyo.

The development followed the disruption of a planned “Two Million-Man March” by supporters of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso in Uyo on Thursday, October 1, 2026.

The movement, in a statement signed by its Media and Communications Directorate and shared on its official X handle, condemned the arrests and demanded the immediate release of the two coordinators and other detained members.

The group described the arrests as an infringement on citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly and political expression.

According to the movement, Noah and other members were arrested during what it described as a peaceful march, while Smith was subsequently arrested after accompanying other supporters to seek the release of those already detained.

Reports indicate that the Akwa Ibom State Police Command had earlier directed organisers of political rallies, meetings and processions scheduled for Independence Day to reschedule the activities, citing security concerns. The command subsequently said eight people were arrested for allegedly engaging in activities capable of causing a breach of public peace and disregarding lawful security directives.

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The police have denied that firearms were discharged during the operation. The command also maintained that the organisers had met with security officials and agreed to reschedule the march before the directive was allegedly disregarded.

However, the Obidient Movement rejected the explanation and accused the police of using intimidation and harassment against its members.

The group demanded the “immediate and unconditional release” of Smith, Noah and other members in custody, while calling for an end to what it described as intimidation of opposition groups.

It further alleged that the arrests amounted to political persecution and accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Akwa Ibom State Police Command of responsibility for the development.

The movement warned that continued detention of its members could trigger wider protests across the country.

It said it would mobilise its members and supporters for nationwide demonstrations if the authorities failed to respond to its demands, while stressing that its commitment to peaceful political participation should not be interpreted as weakness.

The group also warned that continued restrictions on political expression could heighten public tension.

The police’s account differs from that of the movement, with the command saying its actions were prompted by security intelligence and concerns about potential breaches of public order.

The controversy comes as political activities intensify ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, with the proposed Uyo march organised in support of Obi and Kwankwaso.

Meanwhile, reports indicate that Smith’s arrest occurred at Ikot Akpan Abia after he reportedly went with other supporters to facilitate the release of Noah and other detained members. The circumstances and any charges against Smith had not been publicly clarified in the reports reviewed.