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Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly criticised the arrest and detention of prominent lawyer and human rights advocate, Dele Farotimi.
He described the incident as a troubling reflection of authoritarian tendencies reminiscent of Nigeria’s military dictatorship era.
In a statement issued on social media, Atiku expressed outrage at Farotimi’s detention, reportedly over allegations of defamation.
He emphasised that such accusations should ordinarily be addressed through the judiciary, not by the intervention of law enforcement agencies.
“The arrest and detention of Dele Farotimi is unequivocally condemned,” Atiku stated.
“It serves as a grim reminder of the dark days of military dictatorship when the iron fist of tyranny sought to crush all dissent. The Police’s involvement in what is essentially a civil matter is an overreach of unimaginable proportions,” he added.
Atiku criticised the move as part of a broader trend by the Tinubu administration to suppress dissent and erode democratic freedoms.
He warned that such actions were aimed at silencing opposition voices and stifling the press, leading to what he described as a potential descent into a one-party state.
“Freedom of speech and association are not privileges but constitutionally enshrined rights,” he declared.
“If anyone feels wronged by defamatory words, they should seek redress in court, not through the coercive power of the state. Using the Police for personal vendettas is an appalling abuse of power,” he said.
Citing his own experience, Abubakar highlighted that in 2019, when he was defamed, he opted for a judicial resolution rather than involving law enforcement.
He called for the immediate and unconditional release of Farotimi, urging the administration to respect democratic principles and uphold the rule of law.
Farotimi’s arrest has drawn widespread condemnation from human rights groups and activists, who argue that it represents an alarming attack on freedom of expression in Nigeria.
