Obidient Movement Demands Immediate Release Of Detained Activist, Dele Farotimi

Abuja, Nigeria– The Obidient Movement today condemned the arrest of Dele Farotimi, a prominent human rights lawyer and activist, calling it a blatant attempt to suppress dissent and silence criticism of the current government.

At a press conference Wednesday afternoon, National Coordinator Dr. Yunusa Tanko delivered a scathing indictment of the administration, linking Farotimi’s arrest to his outspoken advocacy and a recent petition filed with the Inspector General of Police.

Farotimi’s detention follows a period of intense economic hardship in Nigeria.

Dr. Tanko highlighted a dramatic increase in fuel prices, from ₦165 to over ₦1100 depending on location, triggering a surge in the cost of essential goods and plunging many Nigerians into poverty.

He described a nation grappling with widespread hunger, where even the minimum wage is insufficient to cover basic needs.

The devaluation of the Naira, with the exchange rate soaring to ₦1800 to the dollar, further exacerbates the economic crisis, crippling businesses and driving up the cost of living.

The situation is worsened, Dr. Tanko said, by soaring electricity tariffs and a controversial tax reform perceived as further impoverishing the population.

“People can no longer afford a square meal a day,” Dr. Tanko stated, adding that many civil servants reported their salaries lasting only 48 hours to a week, forcing them to resort to high-interest loans.

The economic pressure, he said, has led many families to forgo having children.

The Obidient Movement leader directly linked the economic turmoil to the government’s policies, emphasising the lack of meaningful efforts to support local industries or agriculture.

He characterised the arrest of Farotimi, a vocal critic of the government, as an attempt to stifle opposition.

“This government inflicted pain on the Nigerian people with impunity,” Dr. Tanko declared.

“This is a blatant misuse of power and suppression of freedom of speech.”

The movement unequivocally demanded Farotimi’s immediate and unconditional release, citing Section 40 of Chapter 4 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) which guarantees freedom of expression. They warned of nationwide protests should he not be released immediately.

They also called on the international community to monitor the situation and support those fighting for justice and human rights in Nigeria.

The press conference concluded with a veiled warning against any attempt to target Peter Obi, suggesting that Farotimi’s arrest was part of a broader pattern of repression targeting government critics.

The movement vowed to resist any further attempts to suppress dissent and pledged its commitment to protecting democracy in Nigeria.

The call and response ended with the rallying cry, “#FreeDeleFarotimiNow.”