The Accountant General of Kogi State, Habibat Oyiza Tijjani, an appointee of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, has come under fire over allegations of human rights violations following the arrest and prolonged detention of Abdul Hameed, a young man from Ihima, Eika axis in Okehi Local Government Area.
Hameed was reportedly picked up nearly three months ago, with his exact whereabouts still unknown — a development that has triggered a growing wave of public outrage and concern over abuse of power and political repression in the state.
The incident came to light after UK-based activist Ogawahab Aliu released a podcast in the Ebira language titled “Dear Hajia Habibat – Kogi State Accountant-General, please release the young man you arrested.” In the podcast, Aliu demanded either Hameed’s immediate release or his arraignment in a court of law.
Social media users have since amplified the calls for justice. Salami Rufus Ohiani wrote on Facebook that the young man, known online as “Ododo D’Flower Boiz Vanguard,” was allegedly arrested over a Facebook post and detained without charge or trial. “This is a scary society where there’s no justice between the higher and lower classes,” Ohiani stated.
The controversial Facebook post, dated February 13, was critical of Governor Ododo’s ties with activist Austin Okai and accused Accountant-General Tijjani of overstepping her role by exerting undue influence over local government affairs.
While many allege that Hameed is being unlawfully held on the orders of the Accountant-General, some have presented a differing account. Hassan Kisqo, who claims to know Tijjani personally, stated that Hameed was taken to court to prove his claims but failed to do so. “He’s there on a court order, not Hajia’s directive,” Kisqo said, though no verifiable court documents have been produced to support this claim.
The case has reignited long-standing allegations of political intimidation in Kogi State. Facebook user Usman Usman recalled a similar experience:
“Thank God they know who made this arrest. My own brother was abducted during the last political dispensation and has been missing ever since.” Another, Zubair Adeiza Kabir, added, “I know of three boys who were arrested during FGYB’s reign and to this day, we’ve neither seen nor heard from them. This has become a norm in Ebira land.”
Medical professional DS Ømêizá condemned the detention, stating: “For 2-3 months, you’ve locked up someone’s son without trial using government influence. This is beyond forgiveness.”
A separate claim by one Lawal Wahab suggests Hameed was remanded on the orders of a court, with his family reportedly unable to meet bail conditions.
However, legal experts have challenged the process, noting that prolonged detention without timely trial contravenes Nigeria’s Constitution. They cite Sections 35 (right to personal liberty), 36 (right to fair hearing), and 39 (freedom of expression) as being grossly violated.
As of now, the Kogi State government has not issued any official statement regarding Hameed’s detention. Efforts to reach the Office of the Accountant-General for comments were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
