Court discharges environmental activist accused of protesting rainforest exploitation

A magistrate court in Calabar, Cross Rivers state, has discharged Odey Oyama, an environmental and climate activist.

Oyama was arrested in January for protesting the exploitation of the Olulumo Effi rainforest in Cross River state.

The environmental activist and four others, namely Alobi Ofuka, Ogbeshi Opene, Samuel Agbor, and Konye Eka, were apprehended in the Okuni area of Ikom LGA.

The arrests reportedly followed their “peaceful resistance” to deforestation activities by Chinese and local collaborators in the forest.

The Olulumo community, in a statement on Thursday, said the court has discharged and acquitted Oyama and four others of all charges against them.

“This ruling affirms their innocence after the prosecution failed on all fronts in the legal battle,” the statement reads.

“The verdict marks a most significant victory for justice and the people of the Olulumo community. May God continue to strengthen and protect environmentalists all over Nigeria who are fighting to save our forests, our wildlife, and the indigenous communities dependent on them for their very survival.

“Hearty congratulations to Prince Odey Oyama and the legal team who persevered against all odds and won the fight for justice.”

Oyama, who is the executive director of the Rainforest Resource and Development Centre (RRDC), has been a vocal advocate against the destruction of the Olulumo Effi rainforest.

In April 2024, the activist raised alarms over alleged deforestation and illegal exploitation by unidentified Chinese nationals purportedly working in collaboration with locals.

He described the rainforest as a sanctuary for biodiversity and a vital resource for local communities, now under threat from indiscriminate deforestation.