By Libby George
LAGOS, Nov 9 (Reuters) - Nigerian immigration officials
returned the passport of a prominent activist against police
brutality after it was seized when she tried to leave the
country last week, the activist said on Monday. Thousands of people took to the streets last month in
anti-police protests. The demonstrations climaxed on Oct. 20
when security forces opened fire and killed at least 12
protesters in Lagos, according to witnesses and Amnesty
International. The army and police have denied the killings.
Modupe Odele, a lawyer who has helped arrange legal defence
for the protesters, said last Wednesday she had tried to board
an international flight in Lagos when immigration authorities
told her she was under military investigation and barred from
leaving Nigeria, seizing her passport.
On Monday, she told Reuters immigration officials returning
the passport did not give her new details.
"I'm a little heartbroken that this happened because I was
providing pro bono legal aid to peaceful protesters who were
unlawfully detained," Odele said. "I'm also grateful that this
didn't turn out worse."
The immigration service did not respond to requests for
comment.