The State Security Service has summoned ‘Gbenga Sesan, according to tweets coming from his timeline.
Update, 15:15: Gbenga has been released.
‘Gbenga Sesan is Nigeria’s foremost ICT policy advocate. He is also renowned for consistently calling out the authorities on good governance.
The reason for the summons is not clear, but it could be connected to the ongoing public outcry for the government to intervene in the matter of over 200 girls that were abducted by terrorists in Chibok, Borno state over two weeks ago. A lot of the campaign began and is still ongoing on Twitter.
This morning, Gbenga tweeted that an SSS official was waiting for him in his office with a letter.
The office just told me someone from SSS is waiting with a letter for me:) I’ll know content in a bit. All we’re saying: #BringBackOurGirls
— #BringBackOurGirls (@gbengasesan) May 5, 2014
As expected, people were concerned, and there were even speculations of possible arrest. Reports from this morning indicate that the leader of the demonstration protesting the abduction of the Chibok girls is being held by the authorities after a meeting with the First Lady of the Federal Republic, Dame Patience Jonathan.
It appears @gbengasesan has been invited for a meeting with the Department of State Services (DSS) Keep an eye out for him.
— Akin Akíntáyọ̀ (@forakin) May 5, 2014
It wasn’t quite long ago, in April, that the same agency detained Yusuf Onimisi for three weeks for live-tweeting a shoot-out between terrorists and the SSS. Many believe that @ciaxon, as he is known on Twitter, would have been held indefinitely if Twitter activists had not launched a vigorous campaign which eventually culminated in public demonstrations around the country.
‘Gbenga tweeted that he had arrived the SSS’ office would tweet when he emerges.
I’m at the SSS office now. I will tweet when I leave the chat.
— #BringBackOurGirls (@gbengasesan) May 5, 2014
As at the time of this writing, Gbenga Sesan has been in the “belly of the beast” for roughly one hour, and hasn’t tweeted since. Unlike Yusuf, Gbenga is not just a veritable Twitter overlord, but has immense international renown in technology, policy and advocacy circles. It is unlikely that the SSS will keep him any longer than is necessary for a “chat”.
Nevertheless, the whole of Nigerian Twitter waits with bated breath, until he emerges. Updates as events unfold.
53 minutes now and counting @gbengasesan I’m at the SSS office now. I will tweet when I leave the chat. #BringBackOurGirls
— Jennifer onyejekwe (@ojenny42) May 5, 2014
@gbengasesan has been with the State Security Service for over two hours. What is the status?
— Oluseun l 234 Girls (@seunonigbinde) May 5, 2014
Remember, @GbengaSesan has been in SSS custody for the better part of the day. We are watching. SSS, take note.
— Ayo Sogunro (@ayosogunro) May 5, 2014
Image via Sarah Lacy.
Update: Gbenga Sesan has been released, after just under 2 hours of meeting with the security operatives
I have just left the SSS office. Thanks for the concern and support.
— #BringBackOurGirls (@gbengasesan) May 5, 2014
