Prominent activist Comrade Israel Joe, hailing from Delta State, finds himself in custody after soldiers apprehended him during a planned protest against economic hardships.
The demonstration, aimed at addressing soaring inflation and economic struggles attributed to President Bola Tinubu’s policies, was met with a robust security presence.
Israel Joe, who had previously been summoned by the police, was reportedly taken into custody by soldiers from the Nigerian Army 3 Battalion in Effurun.
Subsequently, he was handed over to the police at Ekpan Station, where sources suggest terrorism charges are being contemplated.
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The protest, slated to commence at DSC Roundabout in Warri, encountered early intimidation as security forces converged on the location. Despite Joe’s prior engagements with the Nigerian Police and the Department of State Services (DSS), where he assured them of the peaceful nature of the planned demonstration, authorities remained apprehensive about potential unrest.
In response to concerns expressed by authorities regarding potential security risks associated with the protest, Joe reiterated his commitment to a peaceful assembly.
However, the security apparatus appeared resolute in thwarting the protest.A source familiar with the situation revealed to SaharaReporters:
“The soldiers took him to Ekpan and handed him over to the police there. Right now, Israel is in their custody. The police are planning to charge him for terrorism for instigating a protest.”
