Anti-Sars protester Modupe Odele gets her passport returned by immigration officials

ANTI-Sars protester Modupe Odele has had her international passport returned to her by the Nigeria Immigration Service after it was illegally confiscated at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos when she was about to travel.

Following a month-long nationwide protest against the brutality of the Special Anti Robbery Squad (Sars) police unit, the government has come under intense criticism. After being forced to scrap Sars, the government decided to end the protests forcefully, sending soldiers to shoot innocent protesters at the Lekki Toll Gate, leading to international condemnation and sparking nationwide riots.

Reeling from the bloody nose it got, the federal government has decided to clampdown on protesters and has already announced plans to restrict the use of social media across Nigeria. Last week, Ms Odele who had through her Twitter handle mobilised her 219,000 followers during the protests, was denied the right to leave Nigeria.

Being a lawyer, she had also offered free legal aid to persons who were unjustly arrested during the demonstrations. On Tuesday last week, Ms Odele was on her way to the Maldives to celebrate her birthday when she was accosted by immigration officers who detained while her passport was seized, making her miss her flight.

After a concerted campaign, however, her passport has now been returned, although it is not yet clear of the government is easing the clampdown in other areas. Among other things, the Central Bank of Nigeria has obtained court obtaining orders authorising it to freeze the accounts of #EndSARS organisers.

Ms Odele said: “Passport now picked up. No issues. I’m told I can travel at any time. Thank you so much, everyone, for the help and concern."

It is believed that the authorities moved against Ms Odele over her involvement in coordination and supply of emergency services on health and security, facilities, equipment, protest materials, among several needs. So, far, however, it appears that her bank account has not been frozen.