A coalition of 27 civil society organizations (CSOs), led by the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), has called on the Nigeria Police to release detained environmental activist Odey Oyama and six of his associates. The group has also urged an end to all hostile actions against their peaceful advocacy efforts.
In a statement released on Sunday, January 19, 2025, the coalition expressed its commitment to pursuing all legitimate avenues to uphold the rights of Oyama and his team to advocate without fear of persecution.
Arrest of Environmental Activist
On Tuesday, January 14, 2025, Odey Oyama, the director of the Rainforest Resource and Development Centre (RRDC), and six others were arrested by officers of the Ikom division of the Cross River State Police Command. The arrest occurred at Oyama’s residence in Okuni, from where he was reportedly transported to Calabar and held incommunicado for over 24 hours without legal representation or formal charges.
Their arrest followed their peaceful protest against the exploitation of the Olulumo Effi Rainforest in Cross River State, where logging activities by Chinese companies and local collaborators have reportedly led to deforestation and loss of biodiversity.
Advocating for Biodiversity
Oyama has been a vocal defender of the rainforests and biodiversity of Cross River State, campaigning against illegal logging operations that have devastating effects on the environment. Recently, he raised alarms over activities by Chinese business interests, allegedly in collusion with local elites, which have resulted in severe deforestation and ecological damage in the Effi Pristine Rainforest.
CSOs Condemn Police Actions
The coalition criticized the police for disregarding due process and stifling dissent, accusing the authorities of targeting Oyama instead of protecting him as an advocate for environmental preservation.
“As CSOs in Nigeria, we are deeply concerned about the unjust treatment of Odey Oyama, whose selfless campaigns have earned national and international recognition. The police’s actions undermine efforts to protect Cross River’s ecological heritage and stifle democratic dissent,” the statement read.
They noted that Oyama’s detention symbolizes a growing trend of governmental intolerance toward civil society activities, particularly in Cross River State, where journalists and activists are often arrested on flimsy grounds.
Family and Public Outcry
A family member, Missang Oyama, decried the arrest as a punishment for Oyama’s commitment to defending the Olulumo forest against exploitative forces.
“Their only crime is standing up for the forest, a treasure meant for future generations. We demand the immediate and unconditional release of Odey Oyama and others detained unjustly,” said Missang.
Call to Action
In April 2024, Oyama had warned of the ongoing ecological crisis in the Effi Rainforest, describing it as a sanctuary for biodiversity and vital resources for local communities. He urged local and national governments to act decisively to halt the deforestation and hold perpetrators accountable.
“We must preserve the Effi Pristine Rainforest for future generations. The government must take swift action to prevent further destruction and reaffirm its commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development,” Oyama stated.
Global Implications
The coalition’s demand underscores the urgent need for government intervention to protect Nigeria’s forests, which are essential for combating climate change and preserving biodiversity. Activists stress that protecting advocates like Oyama is critical for ensuring that environmental justice and sustainability remain priorities on both national and global agendas.
