- Obidients movement threatens nationwide protests as Atiku, Obi Kick
The arrest and remand in prison of activist, Barr. Dele Farotimi has sparked outrage amongst Nigerians.
The Obidient Movement, (a support group for Peter Obi, the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 General Election) Wednesday issued a warning of nationwide protests should human Farotimi remain in detention.
The Matrix reports that Farotimi has been remanded in prison for allegedly defaming a legal luminary and founder of Afe Babalola University, Aare Afe Babalola, SAN.
He was arraigned before a Magistrate Court in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday.
The activist was accused of maligning and defaming the character of Afe Babalola in his recently published book, ‘Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.
Farotimi pleaded not guilty to all the sixteen count charges.
Police prosecutor, Samson Osun called for the remand of the suspect in prison custody pending further investigation and its outcome for the maintenance of security in the country.
Counsel to the defendant, Dayo Akeredolu opposed the call, pleading with the court to admit the defendant to bail on very liberal terms and on self-recognisance.
According to him, the case at hand is bailable and the suspect is a known figure who is not constituting any threat.
He said the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
However, in his ruling, the presiding judge, Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun remanded the suspect in prison custody and adjourned till December 10.
Reacting to this, the Obidient Movement in a statement signed by the movement’s National Coordinator, Dr. Tanko Yunusa, condemned the arrest as an abuse of power aimed at silencing dissent.
The statement reads: “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 group called for Farotimi’s immediate release, warning that failure to comply would lead to public protests. They also urged the international community to take note of what they described as “a disturbing development” and stand in solidarity with those fighting for justice and human rights in Nigeria.
The Obidient Movement highlighted Farotimi’s consistent advocacy for good governance and human rights, emphasizing that his arrest represents a broader suppression of free speech and dissent.
They criticized the current administration for economic policies they claim have worsened living conditions for Nigerians, including:
Fuel Price Hike: From ₦165 to over ₦1,100 per liter, causing a rise in food and commodity prices.
Naira Devaluation: A significant increase in the exchange rate, with one dollar now trading for over ₦1,000.
Electricity Tariffs: Increased rates without corresponding improvements in service delivery.
Economic Challenges: Collapsing businesses, high interest rates (27.5%), and a struggling health sector.
The group also expressed concerns over what it termed a “targeted crackdown” on opposition figures, alleging that Peter Obi could also face arrest.
They concluded with a call to action: “As a vocal advocate for human rights, Dele Farotimi has consistently spoken out against injustice and championed the rights of marginalized 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 vowed to continue its fight against perceived injustices and to defend democracy and free speech in Nigeria.
Similarly, former Vice President Atiku described Farotimi’s arrest as a reminder of “the dark days of military dictatorship.”
In a statement personally signed by him on Wednesday, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Candidate in the last election, noted that there is no need for police involvement in his case since it is said to border on defamation.
He alleged that Farotimi’s arrest is a symbol of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration’s desire to suffocate the fundamental right to free expression.
Atiku counselled that if anyone feels wronged by defamatory words, the person can approach the court, noting that freedom of expression is a fundamental right guaranteed by the constitution
He said: “The arrest and detention of lawyer and human rights advocate, Dele Farotimi, is unequivocally condemned. 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.
“It is imperative to remind the Tinubu administration that these repeated acts of arrest stand in direct contradiction to the principles of democracy.
“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.”
