…says detention of three Akoko youths was on court order

The Ondo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, has clarified the circumstances surrounding the recent remand of some members of the Akoko Youths Forum at the Olokuta Correctional Centre by court order.

This follows a protest by some youths who took to the streets of Akure, the Ondo State capital, over the detention of three young activists allegedly orchestrated by the State’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo (SAN).

It was gathered that the three youths — Akeju Blessing James (a former Students’ Union President of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic), Adediran Gabriel, and Yaya Bisola — were detained after an alleged confrontation with the Attorney General in his office on March 28.

In a swift reaction to the development, the Justice Commissioner, through a statement issued on Wednesday by his Technical Adviser, Yomisaint Adebayo, explained that the individuals involved were arraigned in court following a police investigation into alleged offences, including assault, conspiracy, cybercrime, threats to life, and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace.

“Such incidents fall within the normal remit of the police to maintain law and order in our State. The progression of this case to court exemplifies the lawful process and reflects the State’s commitment to upholding civil rights, public order, safety, and institutional integrity.

“It is important to recognise that the Ministry of Justice serves as a vital public institution grounded in professionalism, the rule of law, and collective service. This office operates within the jurisdiction of law enforcement and other security agencies, like any other public institution. The Honourable Attorney General functions within this framework, with authority and responsibilities defined by the institution’s mandate.

“While the Forum’s leadership has extended conciliatory gestures and apologies, it is crucial to emphasise that the legal system is grounded in due process, which may not be truncated midway to accommodate immediate resolutions. Any decision to resolve this matter must be based on the principles of justice, fairness, and respect for the law.

“In response to these developments, the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, who was out of the State, has returned to Akure and directed the Director of Public Prosecutions to formally take over the matter. The aim is to ensure a swift resolution while upholding due process, safeguarding the rights of all parties involved, and potentially including their release.

“Additionally, the Honourable Attorney General has emphasised that any resolution will align with the principles of restorative justice — focusing not on criminalising youthful engagement, but on upholding the integrity of public institutions and fostering accountability.

“We encourage the public to remain calm and allow the legal process to unfold, as we consider steps to resolve this matter in a manner that promotes peace, respect for the law, and mutual understanding,” the statement read.

However, protesters who blocked the roundabout leading to the Governor’s Office were seen chanting solidarity songs and calling for the immediate resignation of Ajulo, accusing him of weaponising the judiciary to settle political scores.

They carried placards and banners bearing inscriptions such as #AjuloMustGo, #SackAjuloNow!!!, Ajulo, you have betrayed us, and we will stop backing you!, and Ajulo is power drunk, among others.

Speaking on the development, the Public Relations Officer of the Ondo State Youths Network (OSYN), Christopher Olusa, described the situation as a “dangerous descent into tyranny,” alleging that Ajulo was using state institutions to muzzle dissenting voices.

“This is not justice. This is naked persecution,” Olusa said. “These youths committed no crime. Their only offence was standing up to a powerful man who now wants to silence them using the instruments of the state.”

He noted that the trio — all executive members of the Akoko Youths Forum — were reportedly subjected to harassment and verbal abuse before being detained by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the police.

He said that although they were initially released after public backlash, they were later served court summons on what the Ondo State Youths Network described as “baseless and defective charges.”

Olusa explained that at a court sitting in Akure on Tuesday, all four charges against the youths were struck out for lack of jurisdiction, and the remand application was declared incompetent.

“However, in a twist that has shocked many legal observers, the presiding magistrate still ordered their remand, pending a ruling scheduled for April 16,” he added.