An Edo State High Court in Benin City has authorized the Department of State Services (DSS) to detain Kola Edokpayi, leader of the Talakawa Movement, pending further investigations. Edokpayi and four others were arrested on **April 30, 2025**, for allegedly organizing a rally in support of Burkina Faso’s military junta leader, **Ibrahim Traore**.
On Monday, the DSS charged Edokpayi and one associate with **”unlawful procession”** under **Section 63(1)(b) of the Edo State Criminal Law, 2022**.
In his ruling, **Justice Anthony Nosa Erahabor** granted the DSS **four days** to complete its probe but urged the agency to consider **”administrative bail”** requiring the defendants to report periodically. The case was adjourned to **May 8, 2025**.
A security source disclosed the Talakawa Movement allegedly used **WhatsApp** to mobilize Edo State youths, with funds traced to **Account Number: 2177092996 (Aiguokhian Raphael)**.
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