“Fear Behind Bars: Family Alleges Harassment as Detained Activist Is Cut Off From Food Supply in Bayelsa”
By Passman Akpos
Tension surrounding the detention of activist Livinus Odinakachukwu Nwosu has deepened after his wife alleged that a close aide was assaulted and detained while attempting to deliver food to him at the Okaka Correctional Centre.
In a statement that has sparked fresh concern, she revealed that her husband’s personal assistant was allegedly mistreated by officials during a routine visit.
“I wish to inform the public that my husband’s personal assistant was recently assaulted, detained, and had his phone confiscated without provocation when he visited my husband at the prison to deliver food,” she said.
According to her, the aide was later released and his phone returned, but the incident has left him too frightened to return to the facility.
“The assistant is now fearful of returning to the prison… and he informed me that my husband is in a poor state,” she added.
The development, she said, has effectively cut off the family’s ability to provide food for Nwosu since the incident.
Mounting Concerns Over Welfare in Custody
The allegation introduces a troubling new dimension to an already controversial case that has drawn widespread public attention across Bayelsa State and beyond.
Nwosu was earlier remanded for 30 days following what he and his supporters described as a “deceptive arrest” by the Nigeria Police Force, after being invited for what he believed was a routine meeting with the Commissioner of Police.
Authorities had argued in court that the activist posed a potential security threat, alleging he could mobilize supporters to disrupt public order. However, Nwosu has denied all claims, insisting he is being targeted for demanding accountability from the office of the First Lady.
From Courtroom Drama to Prison ControversyThe latest claim of alleged harassment at the correctional facility is likely to intensify scrutiny on both law enforcement and prison authorities, especially as concerns grow over Nwosu’s health and access to basic care.
Observers say denial of food access—whether intentional or incidental—raises serious humanitarian and legal questions about the treatment of detainees.
Public Outrage Reignites
The situation has reignited public outrage on social media, where supporters are now questioning not just the legality of Nwosu’s arrest, but also his safety in custody.
This comes amid an already heated dispute involving the office of Gloria Diri, the First Lady of Bayelsa State, which has accused Nwosu of cyberbullying and orchestrating a smear campaign over an earlier assault case involving a young woman.
The controversy has since spiraled into a broader debate over abuse of power, freedom of expression, and the treatment of critics in Nigeria.
Calls for Immediate Intervention
Human rights advocates and concerned citizens are now calling for:
Immediate access to Nwosu by his family and legal team
An independent investigation into the alleged assault of his aide
Transparency from correctional authorities regarding inmate welfare
Legal experts warn that if the allegations are substantiated, it could further complicate an already sensitive case and expose authorities to serious legal and reputational consequences.
Silence from Authorities
As of the time of filing this report, officials at the Okaka Correctional Centre and relevant government authorities have yet to respond to the new allegations.
With tensions rising and public scrutiny intensifying, many Nigerians are watching closely—demanding answers not just about the legality of Nwosu’s detention, but about his safety behind bars.
