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Amnesty International Condemns DSS Harassment of Ogun Pastor

ByTitilope Adako

PublishedJanuary 20, 2026

Amnesty International has condemned what it described as the incessant intimidation and harassment of Pastor Kayode Olawoye, an Ogun State–based cleric and civic advocate known for campaigning for improved road infrastructure across the state.

In a statement issued on Tuesday via its X (formerly Twitter) account, the global human rights organisation accused Nigerian authorities of acting unlawfully in their treatment of the pastor.

“The Nigerian authorities must end the incessant intimidation and harassment of Pastor Kayode Olawoye, a cleric widely known for advocating for better road infrastructure in Ogun State,” Amnesty International said.

The organisation stressed that the government has a duty to uphold and protect fundamental human rights, urging authorities to focus on addressing public concerns rather than targeting activists.

“Subjecting such a peaceful advocate for good governance to bizarre intimidation by the Department of State Services (DSS) is unlawful,” the group stated.

Amnesty International added that Pastor Olawoye’s advocacy was justified, given what it described as the shocking and deplorable state of roads in Ogun State.

“Criticising Governor Dapo Abiodun is not a crime,” the organisation said.

It called on Nigerian authorities to immediately end all forms of harassment against Pastor Olawoye and to respect the rights of citizens who speak out in support of good governance.

“The authorities have an obligation to uphold and protect fundamental human rights.

“Instead of investing in desperate attempts to punish activists, the government should be listening to them and doing more to address people’s concerns,” Amnesty International added.

SaharaReporters had earlier reported that the Department of State Services detained Pastor Olawoye, who recently became more vocal in a public campaign demanding improved road infrastructure across Ogun State.

According to the report, the cleric was invited to the DSS office in Abeokuta on Monday for what was described as a chat, marking the third invitation extended to him by the agency.

Unlike previous visits, however, Pastor Olawoye was reportedly not allowed to leave the facility and has since remained in detention.

The circumstances surrounding his detention have raised concerns among residents, who view the action as part of a growing pattern of intimidation against citizens drawing attention to governance failures under Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration.

Pastor Olawoye, known for his community outreach and advocacy, had in recent weeks intensified his campaign for safer and motorable roads across the state.

He had highlighted the deteriorating condition of major routes and the daily hardship faced by commuters, traders and residents through sermons, community engagements and media appearances.

Residents have accused the Abiodun administration of becoming increasingly hostile to dissent and accountability.

Multiple accounts allege that individuals who publicly highlight governance lapses, particularly at the local government level, have faced harassment, arrests or threats.

Titilope Adako

Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.