Operatives of the Department of State Services have released an Ogun State-based pastor, Kayode Olawoye, and two of his associates following widespread public criticism over their detention.
Olawoye, who recently drew national attention for openly highlighting the poor condition of some roads in the state, was picked up by the DSS on Monday after he was invited for what was described as a routine engagement.
A family source confirmed to PUNCH Metro on Tuesday night that the cleric and the two aides were freed after spending over 24 hours in custody.
The source said Olawoye honoured an invitation to the DSS office in Abeokuta on Monday afternoon but was held without access to family members, alongside his associates, Benjamin Olaleye and Joshua.
The detention triggered outrage on social media, with many Nigerians condemning the action and accusing security agencies of intimidating a citizen for speaking out on governance issues.
Amnesty International Nigeria also weighed in, describing the detention as unlawful and an attack on free expression, insisting that criticising government policies did not amount to a crime.
Family members disclosed that Olawoye had previously been invited by the DSS over his commentaries on Ogun roads, but consistently denied allegations that he was sponsored to criticise the state government.
Efforts to get a response from the Ogun State DSS Director, Peter Afunanya, and the state government proved unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.