The Obidient Movement has issued a strong warning, threatening nationwide protests if human rights lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi is not immediately released from custody.
This development follows an order by a Magistrate Court in Ado Ekiti to remand Farotimi over allegations of defaming a prominent legal figure and founder of Afe Babalola University, Aare Afe Babalola, SAN.
Farotimi is accused of tarnishing Afe Babalola’s reputation through statements in his book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System. His arrest has sparked outrage among supporters and human rights advocates, with many viewing it as an attack on free speech.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, condemned Farotimi’s detention and called for his immediate and unconditional release. Tanko argued that the incident raises serious concerns about the misuse of power and suppression of fundamental freedoms in Nigeria.
“This government has inflicted unbearable pain on Nigerians, from the reckless hike in fuel prices to skyrocketing food costs, leaving citizens in a dire state of poverty and hunger,” Tanko said. He criticized the government’s policies, including the floating of the naira, which has caused the exchange rate to soar and intensified economic hardship. He also highlighted the increasing collapse of businesses, skyrocketing interest rates, and failing public services like health care and electricity.
Tanko described Farotimi as a steadfast advocate for human rights, known for speaking out against injustice and defending marginalized communities. “His arrest is a blatant attempt to silence him and intimidate others who dare to challenge the status quo,” Tanko stated.
The statement further detailed the Obidient Movement’s grievances against the government, including widespread hunger, insecurity, and the inability of civil servants to meet basic needs due to stagnant wages and rising living costs. It highlighted the plight of families unable to afford food, healthcare, and education, forcing many to abandon plans for childbearing amidst the economic crisis.
Tanko warned that if Farotimi is not released immediately, the movement would invoke its constitutional rights to stage protests nationwide. “We unequivocally condemn this 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.”
The statement also called on the international community to monitor the situation and stand in solidarity with Farotimi and others advocating for justice and human rights in Nigeria. Tanko alleged that the government’s actions are part of a broader campaign to silence opposition voices, including Peter Obi, the leader of the Obidient Movement and a vocal critic of the administration.
“We are aware of a systematic plan to intimidate and silence His Excellency Peter Gregory Obi for speaking truth to power. We assure the public that we will resist any form of cruelty or abuse of power against him or any other advocate for justice,” Tanko declared.
The movement’s ultimatum underscores the growing tension in Nigeria over perceived abuses of power, economic mismanagement, and the suppression of dissent, as citizens increasingly demand accountability from the government.
