Nigeria, June 18 -- Women and youths of the Ekid ethnic nationality staged a protest on Wednesday in Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State to demand the release of social media user and advocate, Godsown Udoito, who has remained in custody for over five months following allegations regarding online comments about Governor Umo Eno and his family.

The protesters, drawn from Eket and Esit Eket local government areas, marched through major streets of Eket, beginning at Atabong Bridge and ending in the town centre.

Carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs, the demonstrators appealed to Mr Eno to facilitate Ms Udoito's release ahead of a scheduled court hearing on Thursday.

Some of the placards read: "Governor Umo Eno, you are...