Atiku condemns Farotimi’s arrest, says it signals return to military dictatorship era
By Jeffrey Agbo
Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has strongly condemned the arrest and detention of human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi.
He described the incident as a troubling echo of Nigeria’s oppressive military dictatorship era where state power was wielded to suppress dissent and limit free expression.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Atiku expressed outrage over the charges of defamation against Farotimi, arguing that such issues should be handled through civil channels, not law enforcement.
“The arrest and detention of lawyer and human rights advocate, 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.”
“Defamation, under normal circumstances, is a civil offence and does not warrant police intervention. The Police’s involvement in this case is akin to using a sledgehammer to swat a fly—an overreach of unimaginable proportions,” he noted.
Atiku further criticised the growing trend of targeting individuals who voice opposition to the government or exercise their right to free speech. He warned that such actions threaten Nigeria’s democratic values.
READ ALSO: Ekiti Magistrate Court remands Farotimi in prison
“The arrest—or more appropriately, the abduction—of Dele Farotimi is a clear indication of this administration’s agenda to stifle free expression and intimidate dissenting voices. These actions are paving the way for a one-party state, which is completely contrary to the principles of democracy,” he said.
Atiku reminded the government that freedom of speech and association are constitutionally protected rights, not privileges granted at the state’s discretion. He urged the administration to respect the rule of law and allow grievances to be addressed through proper judicial channels rather than misusing state power.
Atiku further emphasised, “If anyone feels aggrieved by defamatory remarks, the courts are there to provide redress—not the heavy-handed intervention of the Police. In 2019, I was defamed, but I sought justice in court, not through police intimidation. That is how democracy works.”
The PDP leader called for Farotimi’s immediate and unconditional release, stating that his continued detention was an affront to Nigeria’s democratic ideals.
Farotimi was arrested on Tuesday in Lagos and arraigned before a Chief Magistrate Court in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State over alleged defamation linked to his book Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System, where he accused Senior Advocate of Nigeria Afe Babalola of compromising the Supreme Court.
The court has remanded him at the state’s correctional centre until December 10, 2024.
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