Comrade Israel Joe, a prominent activist based in Delta State, has been arrested by soldiers during a planned protest against economic hardship.
The demonstration, organized to address the rising inflation and economic challenges attributed to President Bola Tinubu’s policies, was met with a heavy security presence.
Israel Joe, who had been invited by the police earlier, was reportedly taken into custody by soldiers from the Nigerian Army 3 Battalion in Effurun.
Subsequently, he was handed over to the police in Ekpan Station, where sources indicate that charges of terrorism are being considered against him.
The protest, scheduled to begin at DSC Roundabout in Warri, faced early intimidation as security teams arrived at the venue.
The police had previously summoned Joe, and he had met with both the Nigerian Police and the Department of State Services (DSS) in response to their invitations.
According to Israel Joe, during the meetings, authorities expressed concerns about the potential for the protest to escalate and trigger insecurity in the state.
Despite assurances from the activist that the demonstration was intended to be peaceful, the security apparatus seemed determined to prevent it.
A source told SaharaReporters: “The soldiers took him to Ekpan and handed him over to police there. Right now, Israel is in their custody.
“The police are planning to charge him for terrorism for instigating a protest.”
