Rita Enemuru, Reporting

RESIDENTS of Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State on Saturday took to the streets in protest, demanding the release of social commentator and activist, Vincent Aki, popularly known as MC Aproko, following his arrest allegedly linked to his criticism of poor infrastructure and conditions in public schools within the council area.

Videos circulating on social media, particularly TikTok, showed men, women and children marching through the streets while chanting, “We no go gree o, we no go gree, Ogedegbe, free Aproko.”

Protesters carried placards bearing inscriptions such as, “Hon. Augustine Usenefe Ogedegbe, Release MC Aproko,” and “The people reject this selective justice and trumped-up charges.”

Social media users alleged that MC Aproko was arrested on the orders of the Chairman of Ethiope East Local Government Area, Hon. Augustine Ogedegbe, after he highlighted the poor state of roads and facilities at Oviorie Secondary School.

Speaking on the matter, a TikToker with the handle @mc-spreadmouth said: “I believe a local government chairman has arrested Aki Efe Vincent, popularly known as MC Aproko, just because he decided to speak up. He was arrested because he decided to voice the pains of the people and for you, the chairman, to do the right thing. The fact that you arrested him shows that you are trying to tell people that you are perfect and that you do not need correction, and it is not supposed to be like that.

“If I were you, I would hold Aproko close because he is an asset. Sometimes, your advisers do not really know the pain of the people and what they are going through.

“MC Aproko is someone who comes out to speak on the needs of the people and what they are crying for. He is someone you are supposed to keep close so that he can be giving you advice on things you need to do to make people happy. But instead of doing that, you have decided to use power to oppress the citizens. It is as if citizens do not have the right to freedom of speech anymore.

“I am lending my voice because if I do not do that, it might be my turn tomorrow. You can decide to pick me up tomorrow because I decided to speak out, and that is the fear that you people are subjecting people to in order to silence their voices so that they will not be able to speak of the ills of those in government.

“As long as you are in government, it is our right to hold you accountable and to tell you what we need. We are not supposed to be scared to call public officials out. That is why we voted for you people. Every day, you people are making Nigeria look as though it is no longer a democracy. We are in an autocratic system because we cannot criticise you.

“There is nothing you are doing in this life that does not require criticism. You must be criticised for whatever you are doing. It is very wrong of you to arrest somebody who is speaking up just because you probably think he is a threat to you or that he is against your government. Something you are supposed to use to your own advantage. If you do not want to spoil the good things that you have done in government before now, release MC Aproko.”

In a separate post on May 22, another social media user, @CEOOFDELTA, alleged that he visited the Isiokolo Police Station following the arrest and detention of MC Aproko and observed visible bruises on the activist’s body.

“I have just arrived at the Isiokolo Police Station in respect of the arrest and detention of Comrade Vincent Aki, popularly known as MC Aproko. Sadly, I met him with visible bruises on his body, raising serious concerns about his treatment in custody.

“I spoke directly with the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Linton Itedjere, who informed me that the arrest was carried out on the directive of the Area Commander, Ughelli. Shockingly, the DPO admitted that he had no detailed information regarding the alleged offence of the suspect, stating clearly that he merely acted on instructions to effect the arrest.

“I immediately demanded the unconditional release of MC Aproko. However, the DPO insisted that we must wait for officers from the Area Command, who, according to him, are expected to take over the matter after he had successfully executed the arrest — all without informing the suspect or his family of the reason for his detention.

“These developments are deeply troubling and raise strong suspicions of a conspiracy between certain politicians, powerful individuals and elements within the police to intimidate and silence voices demanding transparency and accountability. We therefore call on the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, to immediately order the unconditional release of MC Aproko and caution the DPO of Isiokolo Division against abuse of power and unlawful detention. The rights and liberties of citizens must be respected at all times,” he said.