Federal Workers Forum National Coordinator, Andrew Emelieze, has described his detention by the Department of State Services in Ibadan as a traumatic experience that left him ill after his release.
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He spent 15 days in custody before regaining freedom on July 16, 2025.
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Emelieze said the period in detention was extremely difficult, explaining that he fell sick shortly after being released but is now recovering. Despite the hardship, he expressed gratitude to Nigerians at home and abroad for their support and solidarity throughout the ordeal.
The labour activist credited his survival to divine providence, adding that his faith helped him endure the situation. While he said he has forgiven those involved in his arrest, he noted that such actions would not stop his struggle for workers’ rights and social justice.
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Emelieze also thanked his legal team, civil society groups, the media, and prominent Nigerians, including Femi Aborisade, Femi Falana, Atiku Abubakar, and Omoyele Sowore, for intervening during his detention. He further called for the release of other detainees, especially activist Saheed Jamiu, whom he described as a committed advocate for social justice.
He reminded Nigerians that his case has been scheduled for trial at the Federal High Court in Ibadan on October 21, 2025.
The forum leader vowed to continue pushing for better conditions for workers, stressing that the campaign for justice and welfare will not be silenced. He maintained that the movement would persist until workers across the country gain fair treatment and lasting reforms.
His re-arrest on July 4, just days after an earlier release, had sparked public outrage. Reports indicated that the DSS attempted to obtain a questionable court warrant to extend his detention before eventually releasing him. The episode drew renewed attention to the ongoing agitation of federal workers, who had earlier planned a nationwide protest on July 1 over poor welfare conditions.
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