Obidients, as supporters of the 2023 Labour Party presidential flag-bearer Peter Obi, are fondly called, have threatened to carry out nationwide protests over the controversial arrest and detention of human rights lawyer and activist, Dele Farotimi by the men of the Nigeria Police.
The aggrieved supporters, under the aegis of the Obidient Movement, issued the threat in a statement by the movement’s National Coordinator, Dr Tanko Yunusa, on Wednesday, December 4, 2024.
The police arrested Farotimi on Monday at his Lagos home and drove him to Ekiti State, where revered lawyer and senior citizen Aare Afe Babalola had filed a petition against him over alleged criminal libel.
In his petition, Babalola accused Farotimi of tarnishing his reputation and professional standing in his recently published book, 'Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System', where the author implied that the nonagenarian compromised the Supreme Court to secure favourable judgments for his clients.
Subsequently, the activist was arraigned in court on Wednesday with the Police pressing a 16-count charge of defamation and cyberbullying against him.
The Ekiti State Chief Magistrate’s Court presided over by Abayomi Adeosun, ordered Farotimi’s remand in the correctional centre until the adjournment date of December 10, 2024.
However, Tanko condemned the arrest as an abuse of power aimed at silencing dissent, calling for an immediate release of the activist.
“We unequivocally condemn this nefarious act of abuse of power and demand that the Nigerian Police respect Dele Farotimi’s fundamental human rights as enshrined in Section 40 of Chapter 4 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended),” the movement stated.
The group warned that failure to release Farotimi would lead to nationwide protests, urging the international community to pay a keen interest in the development, which they described as “disturbing," and stand in solidarity with those fighting for justice and human rights in Nigeria.
“As a vocal advocate for human rights, Dele Farotimi has consistently spoken out against injustice and championed the rights of marginalised communities. His arrest appears to be a blatant attempt to silence him and intimidate others who dare to challenge the status quo. We will resist any form of cruelty and abuse of power against Dele Farotimi, Peter Obi, or any other advocate for truth and justice,” the Obidient Movement added.
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