Obidient Movement threatens nationwide protests over arrest, detention of Lawyer
Obidient Movement threatens nationwide protests over arrest, detention of Lawyer
The Obidient Movement has threatened nationwide protests if human rights lawyer and activist, Barrister Dele Farotimi, is not released from detention.
Farotimi was reportedly arrested on the orders of a magistrate court over allegations of defaming renowned legal figure, Chief Afe Babalola, SAN.
In a statement signed by the Movement’s National Coordinator, Dr. Tanko Yunusa, the group—comprised mainly of supporters of Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi—denounced the arrest, describing it as an abuse of power aimed at stifling dissent and silencing critics.
The statement read: “We categorically condemn this unjust action as an abuse of power, and we demand that the Nigerian Police uphold Dele Farotimi’s fundamental rights as outlined in Section 40 of Chapter 4 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).”
The Obidient Movement called for Farotimi’s immediate release, warning that failure to do so would trigger widespread protests across the country.
The group also urged the international community to pay attention to what they termed “a disturbing trend” and to show solidarity with those fighting for justice and human rights in Nigeria.
The statement highlighted Farotimi’s tireless advocacy for good governance and human rights, framing his arrest as part of a broader campaign to suppress free speech and political dissent.
The group also criticized the current administration for its economic policies, which they claim have exacerbated the hardships faced by Nigerians. They pointed to:
Fuel Price Hike: From ₦165 to over ₦1,100 per liter, leading to soaring food and commodity prices.
Naira Devaluation: A dramatic devaluation of the currency, with the exchange rate now exceeding ₦1,000 to the dollar.
Electricity Tariffs: Increased charges without significant improvements in service delivery.
Economic Hardships: Struggling businesses, soaring interest rates (27.5%), and a crumbling health sector.
The Obidient Movement also expressed concern over what they termed a “targeted crackdown” on opposition figures, raising fears that Peter Obi himself could be targeted for arrest.
Concluding the statement, the group vowed to continue resisting any attempts to silence advocates for justice: “As a passionate defender of human rights, Dele Farotimi has long spoken out against injustice and championed the rights of marginalized Nigerians. His arrest seems to be a clear attempt to intimidate and silence those who challenge the status quo. We will not tolerate any form of cruelty or abuse of power against Dele Farotimi, Peter Obi, or any advocate for truth and justice.”
The Obidient Movement reaffirmed its commitment to fighting against perceived injustices and upholding democracy and free speech in Nigeria.
News
Two men docked for allegedly defiling underaged girl
Two men docked for allegedly defiling underaged girl
The police in Lagos on Friday, charged two men before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly defiling an 11- year-old girl.
The defendants are: Prince Tomnyie, 40, a businessman, who resides at Agege, and Micheal Adenuga, 24, a furniture maker, who resides at Atere Street in Lekki.
They are standing trial on charges of defilement, and had each pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The prosecutor, ASP Adegoke Ademigbuji told the court that they committed the offence sometimes in December 2024, and September 2025, at Langbasa Ajah and Igbara Lekki, Lagos .
The prosecutor alleged that the victim’s father, had taken his daughter for medical check and it was discovered that the minor had been defiled.
The prosecution alleged that the victim had told her father that his friend, Tomnyie, defiled her sometimes ago.
Ademigbuji alleged that the victim also mentioned the second defendant’s name who lives in their neigbourhood.
The offence contravenes the provisons of section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos, 2015.
The Chief Magistrate, Mr L. A Owolabi, granted the defendants bail in the sum of of N600,000 each, with two sureties each in like sum.
He adjourned the case until March 5, for mention. (NAN)
News
Report any officer asking for money for release of suspect as Police insist bail is free
Report any officer asking for money for release of suspect as Police insist bail is free
The Police Command in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has insisted that bail is free, and called on the public to report any officer asking for money to release a suspect on bail.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the FCT, SP Josephine Adeh, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja.
Adeh spoke in reaction to public outcry that some police officers were demanding money to release suspects on bail in the territory.
She said the report of the erring officers would serve as a deterrent to others, adding that it was fraudulent to demand for money to release a suspect on bail.
Adeh blamed the yielding to such fraudulent demand on ignorance on the part of the victims who refused to stand on their rights.
“A similar case was reported where an officer demanded money to release a suspect on bail and when the matter was reported, we requested for evidence from the victim.
“The evidence was provided because the money was transferred to the officer’s account and actions are being taken on the issue.
“So, I encourage the public to take advantage of the FCT Police Complaint Response Unit (CRU) lines on 08107314192 to report such misconduct with evidence,” she said.
Adeh urged the public to always insist on their rights and refuse any form of payment to release a suspect on bail.(NAN)
News
Former President sentenced to five years in prison by Court
Former President sentenced to five years in prison by Court
South Korea’s former president Yoon Suk Yeol was on Friday sentenced to five years in prison for obstruction of justice.
The Seoul Central District Court found that the 65-year-old conservative, with the help of the presidential security service, had tried to prevent his own arrest and deleted multiple documents related to the investigation against him.
Yoon shocked the nation by imposing martial law on December 3, 2024, amid a budget dispute with the opposition, plunging the country into a political crisis.
He justified the drastic measure as necessary to protect South Korea’s democratic order and accused the left-leaning opposition of being infiltrated by communists with ties to China and North Korea, though he provided no evidence for these claims.
In a separate trial, prosecutors have sought the death penalty for Yoon on charges of incitement, with a verdict expected on February 19.
While the death penalty remains legally in force in South Korea, it has not been carried out for nearly 30 years.
Yoon’s actions previously alarmed international investors and led to withheld investments, damaging the reputation of South Korea as a political and economic model for the region.
Since last summer, South Korea has been led by President Lee Jae Myung, a left-leaning centrist and long-time political rival of Yoon. (dpa/NAN)
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