The OBIdient Movement has issued a stern warning to the Nigerian Police Force to release human rights lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi or face massive protests.
This was contained in a statement signed Wednesday by Dr Yunusa Tanko, the National coordinator of the OBIdient Movement.
“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 chapter4 of the 1999 Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.
“We urge the Nigerian authorities to ensure his immediate and unconditional release, guaranteeing that his rights are protected throughout the process.
“Failure to release him immediately , we shall invoke our fundamental rights as citizens to engage in a series of public protests across the country to challenge this gross abuse of power and neglect of the people.
“Furthermore, we call on the International Community to take note of this disturbing development and to stand in solidarity with Dele Farotimi and all those who are fighting for justice and human rights in Nigeria. The protection of human rights and the promotion of free speech are essential to a healthy democracy, and we must collectively defend these principles,” the statement partly read.
Farotimi’s arrest has sparked widespread outrage, with many Nigerians condemning the move as an attempt to silence dissenting voices.
The Nigerian Police Force has been accused of misusing its powers to silence critics of the government, and Farotimi’s arrest is seen as another example of this trend.
