Atiku described the development as a grim reminder of Nigeria’s dark era of military dictatorship when dissent was ruthlessly suppressed.
Former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has condemned the arrest and detention of lawyer and human rights advocate, Dele Farotimi.
Atiku described the development as a grim reminder of Nigeria’s dark era of military dictatorship when dissent was ruthlessly suppressed.
In a statement released on Wednesday via his official X account, Atiku expressed concern over the use of law enforcement in a case he believes should be handled through civil proceedings.
Farotimi is reportedly being accused of defamation, an offence Atiku argues does not justify police involvement.
“The arrest of Dele Farotimi for alleged defamation serves as a grim reminder of the dark days of military dictatorship when the iron fist of tyranny sought to crush all dissent,” Atiku said.
“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.”
Atiku explained that 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."
He noted that 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," Atiku added.
Follow the Sahara Reporters channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaFClvtH5JM6SSsP7M2Y