In the early hours of Monday, the Department of State Services (DSS) reportedly arrested Micheal Lenin, a key activist in the ongoing protests against poor governance in Nigeria. Lenin was taken from his home in Abuja around 2 am, according to Damilare Adenola of the Take It Back Movement. The arrest happened in front of Lenin’s family.

This action follows Lenin’s public criticism of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent national address. Lenin had argued that the President’s speech demonstrated a disconnect from the realities faced by Nigerians protesting against government failures. He also condemned the use of state violence against protesters and journalists, calling it a failed attempt to suppress dissent.

The Take It Back Movement is demanding Lenin’s immediate release and is urging Nigerians to continue their protests until their demands for better governance are addressed. They assert that attempts to use violence and misinformation will not stop them from pursuing their goals.