SHOCKER! ! ! Atiku Reveals Why Dele Farotimi Is In Prison As Former VP Drops BOMBSHELL
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the detention of human rights lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi, stating that his imprisonment represents a troubling example of impunity and rights violations in Nigeria.
Farotimi is currently being prosecuted in an Ado Ekiti Chief Magistrate’ s Court for allegedly defaming Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Afe Babalola.
In a message posted on X (formerly Twitter) to mark International Human Rights Day, Atiku described Farotimi’ s detention as unjust.
” Dele Farotimi now languishes in prison custody not for any crime but for the supposed ‘ crime’ of persistently speaking truth to power, ” he wrote.
He highlighted that Farotimi’ s only ” offense” lies in his unwavering commitment to exposing truths that powerful entities would prefer to conceal.
Atiku questioned the legal basis for Farotimi’ s prosecution, pointing out that the case rests on a cyberbullying law that is not recognized in Ekiti State.
This, he argued, underscores the misuse of laws to suppress dissenting voices. ” 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 stated.
The former vice president further criticized the weaponization of the cyberbullying law, asserting that it is being deployed to intimidate journalists, silence opposition figures, and stifle free expression.
” The misuse of the cyberbullying law to harass and silence dissent is a blatant attack on democratic principles and freedom of speech, ” he added.
Atiku called on Nigerian leaders to reaffirm their commitment to upholding the rights of citizens as enshrined in the Constitution.
He emphasized that democracy can only thrive when the rights of individuals are respected and protected.
” The protection and upholding of constitutionally enshrined rights are fundamental to nurturing and strengthening our democracy. This commitment must not waver, ” he urged.
Farotimi’ s case has sparked outrage among human rights advocates and civil society groups, who view it as symptomatic of the broader challenges facing Nigeria’ s democracy and rule of law.
Many have criticized the authorities for using legal pretexts to target individuals who challenge government actions, calling for his immediate release and an end to such practices.
The situation has reignited discussions on freedom of expression and the role of dissent in fostering accountability within democratic systems.
