The Nigerian government on Tuesday denied it has begun compiling a ‘no-fly list’ of youths who participated in the #ENDSARS protests.
The Federal Ministry of Interior stated this in a tweet on Tuesday in reaction to a media report by an online publication.
“The Ministry of Interior did not, has not and will not generate any no-fly list. Ignore fake news, please!” @MinOfInteriorNG tweeted.
“Our watchword is Security, Economic Rejuvenation and Transparency (SET) – We are SET to safeguard our country,” the ministry added.
The report by the online medium followed story on Tuesday that one of the leading #ENDSARS mobilisers, Modupe Odele, was prevented from travelling by Nigeria Immigration Service on Monday.
The Immigration Service is under the supervision of the Ministry of the Interior.
Although there was explanation from the Immigration Service for the action, many of her followers believe it was connected with the role she played in the protests.
Through her Twitter handle, @Mochievous, she mobilized her followers to participate in the protests, organised by Nigerian youths against police brutality.
The lawyer also offered free legal aid to persons who were unjustly arrested during the demonstrations aside from giving details of support for protesters.
Odele said she was on her way to the Maldives to celebrate her birthday when she was accosted by immigration officers, who prevented her from boarding her flight.
She said she was detained while her passport was seized by the officers, forcing her to miss her flight.
However, she has reached out to her supporters, asking them not speculate as to the reason for her detention.
“Hello everyone. Thank you so much. I’m fine and I’m safe. We haven’t confirmed yet why I was stopped on Sunday or by whom. But I’ve been invited back in with my lawyers today,” she tweeted on Tuesday.
“I’ll update when I have more information but please don’t spread false news. That is dangerous.”
