Oriyomi Hamzat, a radio broadcaster and owner of Ibadan-based Agidigbo FM, has been arrested by the Federal Intelligence Bureau (FIB) of the Nigeria Police Force.
THE WITNESS gathered that Hamzat was arrested on Thursday morning in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital and has been taken to Abuja for interrogation.
Though the reason for his arrest has not been made public, it was gathered that it may not be unconnected with his continued advocacy for the prosecution of the alleged killers of Timothy Adegoke.
Hamzat had been calling for justice over the death of Adegoke who was until his death a Master’s student at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.
Adegoke was allegedly killed in a hotel in Ile-Ife, Osun state.
The owner of the hotel, Mr. Rahmon Adedoyin, and his staff have been arrested in connection with the death of Adegoke, a native of Eruwa in Oyo state.
Confirming the arrest in a statement on Thursday, Adebayo Yousuph Grey, head of station Agidigbo FM, said Hamzat had been subjected to constant interrogation by the police over his advocacy.
“We have been inundated with repeated calls and messages since the early hours of today following widespread concerns by well-meaning Nigerians home and abroad, our colleagues in the media and the general public about the safety of our Chairman at Sure Etiquette Media Plus Ltd, the parent company for Agidigho FM, Ibadan, Agidigbo FM, Lagos and Agidigbo Television, Mr. Oriyomi Hamzat,” the statement read.
“Hence, we will like to use this medium to inform everyone that Mr. Oriyomi Hamzat has in the past few days been subjected to regular invites and questioning by several security operatives, including but not limited to the State Intelligence Bureau (SIB); all of which he dutifully honoured and attended to. The premise of these invites and questioning is not unconnected with his consistent call for due diligence in the trial of Chief Ralman Adegoke Adedoyin over the death of Timothy Adegoke who died under unfortunate circumstances in the former’s hotel in Osun State.
” It would be realized that Mr. Orryomi Hamzat’s constant call for justice for the deceased has been a source of concern for the accused.
“However, the entire situation began to escalate when the SIB started plans to hand over Mr. Hamzat to the Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB) and in the early hours of today, Thursday, 26th of May, 2022, he was arrested and as we speak has been whisked away to Abuja.
“We seek to reiterate here to well-meaning Nigerians, the media and the general public, that the reason for which Mr. Oriyomi Hamzat was arrested is his defiant call for justice for Timothy Adegoke and extensive support for the deceased’s family. We, therefore appeal to all Nigerians to kindly lend their voice to ensure that Oriyomi Hamzat won’t be subjected to inhumane treatment and undue incarceration just for standing for the truth and for humanity.
“We are strengthened by the staunch support and camaraderie from several corners so far and we promise to keep the general public abreast of further developments.”