Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, has criticised the detention of human rights lawyer and advocate Dele Farotimi, calling it a glaring example of the pervasive culture of impunity and rights violations in the country.
In a statement commemorating International Human Rights Day, observed annually on December 10, Atiku posted his remarks on his X platform account on Tuesday. He expressed grave concern over Farotimi’s incarceration, describing it as emblematic of the suppression of dissenting voices in Nigeria.
Farotimi, a vocal critic of government policies and advocate for justice and transparency, is currently being held in prison custody in Ekiti State.
Atiku stated, “Dele Farotimi now languishes in prison custody not for any crime but for the supposed ‘crime’ of persistently speaking truth to power. His only offense lies in his unflinching commitment to exposing the truths that the government and its collaborators would rather remain hidden.”
The former vice president further criticised the legal basis for Farotimi’s detention, noting that the lawyer is being prosecuted under a law that does not exist in Ekiti State.
“This is troubling. He is detained and prosecuted under the guise of a law that does not even exist in Ekiti State. This reflects the impunity that has become all too common in Nigeria,” Atiku said.
He also highlighted the misuse of the cyberbullying law, alleging that it has been weaponised to suppress opposition voices and the press.
“The weaponization of the cyberbullying law to harass, intimidate, and silence opposition voices and journalists is alarming. It is a blatant attack on freedom of expression and the principles of democracy,” he added.
Atiku used the occasion of International Human Rights Day to urge Nigerian leaders to recommit to their constitutional duty to uphold and protect the rights of all citizens, stating that the survival of the nation’s democracy hinges on this commitment.
“Let us remind our leaders that the protection and upholding of constitutionally enshrined rights are fundamental to nurturing and strengthening our democracy. This commitment must not waver,” he emphasised.
The plight of Dele Farotimi has drawn widespread condemnation from human rights advocates and civil society groups, who view his case as indicative of the broader challenges confronting Nigeria’s democracy and rule of law.
