Atiku condemns arrest of Dele Farotimi, calls for immediate release

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly criticized the arrest and detention of prominent lawyer and human rights advocate Dele Farotimi, describing it as a chilling echo of Nigeria’s oppressive military era.

In a detailed statement, Atiku condemned the use of law enforcement to intimidate dissenting voices, emphasizing the violation of democratic principles and constitutional rights.

Farotimi’s arrest reportedly stems from allegations of defamation—an offense that Atiku argues does not warrant police involvement under normal circumstances.

“The intervention of the Police in a civil matter such as defamation is akin to using a sledgehammer to kill a fly. It represents an egregious overreach of state power,” Atiku remarked.

The arrest, which Atiku described as akin to”abduction,” is part of a disturbing pattern under the current administration, which he claims is systematically targeting critics and the media.

According to Atiku, these actions are aimed at intimidating opposition voices and consolidating power in a way that threatens Nigeria’s democratic fabric.

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“This government’s repeated arrests of dissenters and critics serve as an insidious strategy to stifle free expression and establish a one-party state. Such acts are a betrayal of the democratic ideals that Nigeria has fought to uphold,” he stated.

Atiku further highlighted the constitutional guarantee of freedom of speech and association, asserting that personal grievances, such as defamation, should be resolved through the courts, not through the machinery of law enforcement.

Drawing from personal experience, he recounted being defamed in 2019 but choosing to seek redress through legal channels rather than leveraging state power to suppress his critics.

“The Police should not be used as instruments of personal vendettas. This is an appalling abuse of power that undermines the rule of law,” Atiku added.

The former vice president called for the immediate and unconditional release of Dele Farotimi, urging the Tinubu administration to respect democratic principles and uphold the rights of citizens.

Atiku’s statement adds to a growing chorus of voices condemning the arrest, with civil society groups and activists warning against a creeping authoritarianism in Nigeria.