REVEALED: ‘I May Need Surgery Because Detention Worsened My Health’, APC Supporter Farouk Ozigi Narrates Ordeal
By Ozumi Abdul
A supporter of the ruling APC in Kogi State, Farouk Ozigi Onimisi, popularly known as The White Orator, has revealed how his alleged unlawful detention worsened his health condition, leaving him battling serious medical complications after spending days in custody.
Speaking with Verity News shortly after regaining freedom on bail, Onimisi disclosed that the harsh conditions he allegedly endured during detention severely aggravated an existing Varicose Veins condition on his left leg, a development he said may now require urgent surgery.
According to him, his health deteriorated significantly while he remained in custody following his arrest in Abuja on April 25, 2026, over allegations linked to an alleged attempt to incite public disturbance and organise protests in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital.
Onimisi alleged that at some point during his detention, he was handcuffed inside a cell for more than 24 hours under harsh conditions, an experience he described as traumatic, painful and physically exhausting.
“The condition of my leg became worse during detention and doctors have now recommended urgent medical attention,” he said.
He further disclosed that medical tests conducted after his release also showed that he tested positive for Hepatitis B, raising additional concerns about his worsening health condition since leaving detention.
Despite the allegations against him, Onimisi maintained his innocence, insisting that he neither authored nor circulated the controversial voice note and publication allegedly tied to the matter.
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According to him, part of the allegations arose from a publication associated with a Vote of No Confidence concerning the office of the Accountant General of Kogi State, alongside a voice note he claimed was falsely attributed to him.
He stated that although he repeatedly denied ownership of the voice note, it allegedly became part of the basis for his arrest and detention.
The APC supporter said he remained shocked by the entire development, especially considering his long-standing support for the party and his consistent promotion of the Kogi State Government on social media and other public platforms.
His detention later attracted widespread public attention after activists, media platforms, public figures and concerned Nigerians began demanding fairness, due process and respect for his constitutional rights.
Among those he mentioned were activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Amnesty International Nigeria, Tunde Ednut, Sahara Reporters and Mr. Common Sense.
According to him, growing public concern over the matter eventually led to his arraignment before a court, where he was later granted bail under stringent conditions.
He explained that the bail terms included either a ₦2 million bond or the provision of two Level 14 civil servants as sureties, alongside extensive documentation requirements.
While noting that the matter remains before the court, Onimisi said he would avoid making further comments capable of affecting the ongoing judicial proceedings.
He, however, appreciated family members, lawyers, journalists, activists, supporters and concerned Nigerians who stood by him throughout the period of his detention and eventual release on bail.
