Authorities in Kogi State have arrested and detained Shade Kakun, a local blogger, after he published a Facebook post accusing Mr. Zacchaeus Dare Michael, Chairman of Kabba/Bunu Local Government, of misconduct in the distribution of motorcycles meant for the community.
Kakun alleged that the chairman received 15 motorcycles for distribution under Governor Usman Ododo’s administration, yet only delivered one. Although the blogger later deleted the post, security operatives arrested him and have since held him at the Kabba Police Station.
Family Raises Alarm Over Prolonged Detention
Speaking out on the matter, Prince Godwin, who identified himself as Shade Kakun’s brother, revealed on Sunday that the blogger has now spent seven days in detention over a deleted social media post.
“This is a civil matter, yet he’s being treated like a hardened criminal,” Godwin wrote in a Facebook post. “This is unjust, inhumane, and a clear abuse of power. We demand his immediate release and justice! #FreeTheInnocent #SayNoToOppression #JusticeForAll.”
In a follow-up post, Godwin condemned what he described as intimidation and injustice:
“I will not sit and watch 501 dehumanise my brother, Shade Kakun, just for asking a question. I will not. NEVER.”
Kakun Speaks Out: “Why Am I Being Targeted?”
Prior to his arrest, Kakun had taken to Facebook on Monday, June 30, to raise alarm over police presence at his home. In the now-viral post, he wrote:
“Good afternoon my good people from Kabba. Kakun Omofa Kayode John brought police officers to my house last night because of the truth. I know who showed you my house. I’m not the only one talking about politicians. How many times have people insulted Hon. Teejay Yusuf and no one sent the police after them? Why am I being singled out? I want to know.”
This post, written in a mix of English and colloquial expressions, underscores his confusion and frustration over what he views as selective enforcement of the law.
Public Backlash Grows Over Free Speech Suppression
Kakun’s arrest has sparked widespread outrage online, with many activists and civil society groups denouncing the detention as a violation of freedom of expression. Critics argue that raising questions or sharing opinions on public office holders should not lead to arrest, especially when the content in question has already been taken down.
“This kind of repression sets a dangerous precedent,” one Facebook user commented. “Today it’s Kakun; tomorrow it could be any citizen with an opinion.”
Another user wrote, “We live in a democracy. If a politician feels defamed, the proper recourse is civil litigation—not arrest and detention.”
Calls Mount for Immediate Release
Rights advocates and community members have now intensified calls for Kakun’s immediate release, describing his detention as both unlawful and oppressive. Many are also demanding greater accountability from public officials, insisting that local authorities should focus on addressing corruption allegations rather than silencing critics.
As the situation unfolds, legal observers warn that such arbitrary detentions could erode public trust in governance and undermine Nigeria’s democratic values.
So far, neither the Kogi State Police Command nor the office of the LG chairman has issued an official statement in response to the growing public outcry.
