Korede Abdullah in Lagos
The Ogoni Youth Federation has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the “illegal detention” of its President-General, Engr. Dr. Legborsi Yamaabana, by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).
In an open letter to the President on Democracy Day, signed by the Vice-President, Ogoni Youth federation Worldwide, Comrade Bonaloo Saviour, the group alleged that Yamaabana was “kidnapped in the disguise of an arrest” and has been held without charge or legal access since May 11, 2025.
“This action is viewed as a clear violation and truncation of the Nigerian constitution,” the letter stated, lamenting the silence of the DSS despite a formal inquiry.
The Federation described the treatment of its leader as “intimidation, political witch hunting, oppression, aggressive and ruthless dehumanization,” urging President Tinubu to act swiftly.
“It will be totally out of place and disheartening to see your efforts being truncated and trampled upon by a few overzealous individuals,” said Comrade Bonaloo Saviour, the Federation’s Vice-President, invoking Tinubu’s democratic legacy in the appeal. The group stressed that such abuse by security agencies was “a threat to justice on everyone.”
In addition to demanding Yamaabana’s release, the Ogoni youths expressed outrage over what they called “white lies” told to the President regarding the Eleme section of the East-West Road.
According to them, the project, which was virtually commissioned, is far from complete. “Why will the President be deceived to commission a project that is far from completion?” the letter queried.
They accused Minister of Works Dave Umahi of misleading the President and demanded a public apology as well as immediate action to ensure the project’s completion.
