‘Attack on free speech’ — Atiku calls for Farotimi’s immediate release

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has called for the release of Dele Farotimi, a human rights advocate, from police custody.

On Tuesday, Farotimi was arrested and by police officers from Ekiti State over allegations of defamation and cyberbullying.

Farotimi, known for his outspoken criticism of government policies, was apprehended at his Lagos office and transported to Ekiti state after an arrest warrant was issued.

Sunday Abutu, Ekiti state police spokesperson, confirmed the detention to TheCable, citing a petition against Farotimi.

Farotimi had raised an alarm about the manner of his arrest, accusing the police of attempting to abduct him hours before he was picked up.

Farotimi said had previously cooperated with the Zone 2 police headquarters in Lagos, and argued that the charges stemmed from comments made about Afe Babalola, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), in a book published in Lagos, not Ekiti state.

‘GRIM REMINDER OF THE DARK DAYS OF MILITARY DICTATORSHIP’

Reacting to the activist’s detention in a post on X, Atiku said Farotimi’s arrest serves as a “grim reminder of the dark days of military dictatorship when the iron fist of tyranny sought to crush all dissent”.

“The arrest and detention of lawyer and human rights advocate, @DeleFarotimi, is unequivocally condemned,” the post reads.

“It serves as a grim reminder of the dark days of military dictatorship when the iron fist of tyranny sought to crush all dissent.

“I am made aware that Dele is being accused of defamation — an offense that, under normal circumstances, should not warrant the involvement of law enforcement.

“The Police’s intervention in such matters is nothing less than the use of a sledgehammer to swat a fly, an overreach of unimaginable proportions.

“This alarming trend, particularly the recent abduction — or rather, the arrest — of Dele Farotimi, is emblematic of this administration’s insidious agenda to suffocate the fundamental right to free expression.

“The aim is clear: to intimidate and harass citizens, particularly those who oppose the regime and the press, thus paving the way for the establishment of a one-party state.”

Atiku said arrest of citizens under the current administration contradicts democratic principles and infringes on constitutionally guaranteed rights.

“It is imperative to remind the Tinubu administration that these repeated acts of arrest stand in direct contradiction to the principles of democracy,” he added.

“Freedom of speech and association are not privileges but constitutionally enshrined rights. If anyone feels wronged by defamatory words, they are free to seek redress in the courts, not at the hands of the state’s enforcers.

“It is an appalling abuse of power to use the Police as a tool for personal vendettas. In 2019, I was defamed.

“I did not involve the Police to flex muscles and intimidate the defaming citizen, but I took the case to court where I am currently seeking reliefs for the injuries to my name and integrity.

“Therefore, I call for the immediate and unconditional release of Dele Farotimi.”