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.
The controversy erupted after Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Opeyemi of threatening her during a phone call, an allegation she made public during her interview on Arise Television last week.
The interview, which stirred significant attention, centered around her accusations of sexual harassment against Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
The tension deepened following Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension from the Senate on Thursday, one day after she formally submitted a petition against Akpabio.
The suspension was based on a report presented by the chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions.
The report cited multiple infractions of Senate rules, leading to her removal.
In a further twist, the same committee had earlier dismissed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s sexual harassment petition against Akpabio, calling it “dead on arrival.”
Addressing the floor of the Senate on Thursday, Opeyemi said: “I listened to the distinguished Senator Natasha on Arise and I have no regret about what she said about me. She said I called her at exactly 12:13 am.
“I have no regrets. Every move that I made was a characteristic of my person and leadership role in trying to reconcile everybody. I went to the Senate President and when I got there that night I said ‘Sir, tomorrow in the chamber, you’ll have to tender a public apology to distinguished Senator Natasha. I beg you in the name of God. Because her understanding of what you said is different from how you’re interpreting it, by saying she should not speak as if she was in a night club. And you Mr President [addressing Akpabio] explained again that what you meant was that it was only in a night club that everybody tries to speak trying to raise their voice above the loud music and I said sir, ‘I understand you but tomorrow you’ll have to explain that again to her and the other women and apologise to her. And you said to me, ‘Why is it that you always come to me. Everybody is dragging me on social media, have you called Natasha?’
“And I picked up my phone and called Senator Natasha, placing her on speaker. I called her. I didn’t think 12 am is anytime we shouldn’t be awake as Senators. When I called her the first thing I said was ‘Distinguished, I’m sorry. Hope I didn’t wake you up? And she said, ‘no sir.’ I said ‘I only called to ask you a question. My dear sister, what would you gain if the Senate President goes down?’”
News
BREAKING; Senator Natasha finally speaks about her six months suspension amid feud with Akpabio
BREAKING; Senator Natasha finally speaks about her six months suspension amid feud with Akpabio
The Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan says her unjust suspension from the Senate invalidates the principles of natural justice, fairness and equity.
She made this known on her Facebook page while reacting to her suspension on Thursday by the Senate as recommended by its Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for six months over “total violation of the Senate Standing Orders, 2023 as amended”.
The Senate also approved that her salaries and allowances be suspended.
Reacting, Akpoti-Uduaghan said that “Against the culture of silence, intimidation and victim-shaming; my unjust suspension from the Nigerian Senate invalidates the principles of natural justice, fairness and equity.
“The illegal suspension does not withdraw my legitimacy as a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and I will continue to use my duly elected position to serve my constituents and country to the best of my ability till 2027 and beyond,” she said. (NAN)
News
IGP Egbetokun decorates six new DIGs, AIG at Force Headquarters see (full list)
IGP Egbetokun decorates six new DIGs, AIG at Force Headquarters see (full list)
Following the retirement of six Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (DIGs), the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has decorated six newly appointed DIGs, in Abuja.
The retired DIGs had served the Nigeria Police Force for 35 years before retirement.
The newly decorated DIGs include DIG Sadiq Idiris Abubakar, previously Commandant of the Police Academy in Wudil, Kano; DIG Benjamin Nebolisa Okolo, former AIG of the Department of Information Communication Technology at Force Headquarters Abuja; DIG Williams Adebowale, formerly Commandant of the Police Staff College Jos; DIG Bzigu Yakubu Kwazi Bali, former AIG of the FCID Annex Enugu; DIG Idegwu Basil Ukuoma, previously AIG of Zone 14, Katsina; and DIG Adebola Ayinde Hamzat, former AIG, Zone 16 Yenagoa.
In addition to these DIG appointments, AIG Kanayo Uzuegbu, who previously served as the Commissioner of Police for the Enugu State Command, was also decorated as a newly promoted Assistant Inspector-General of Police.
This was disclosed via a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi on Thursday, March 6.
The statement reads: “The Nigeria Police Force marked a significant moment in its history with the formal decoration of six newly appointed Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (DIGs) and one Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM., today March 6th 2025. This event follows the recent retirement of six veteran DIGs in March 3rd, 2025, who honorably served the force for 35 years.
“The newly appointed DIGs bring a wealth of experience and expertise from various commands and departments within the NPF. These iconic individuals include DIG Sadiq Idiris Abubakar, previously Commandant of the Police Academy in Wudil, Kano; DIG Benjamin Nebolisa Okolo, former AIG of the Department of Information Communication Technology at Force Headquarters Abuja; DIG Williams Adebowale, formerly Commandant of the Police Staff College Jos; DIG Bzigu Yakubu Kwazi Bali, former AIG of the FCID Annex Enugu; DIG Idegwu Basil Ukuoma, previously AIG of Zone 14, Katsina; and DIG Adebola Ayinde Hamzat, former AIG, Zone 16 Yenagoa.
“In addition to these DIG appointments, AIG Kanayo Uzuegbu, who previously served as the Commissioner of Police for the Enugu State Command, was also decorated as the newly promoted Assistant Inspector-General of Police. During the ceremony, the IGP extended his heartfelt congratulations to the newly decorated officers and emphasized the importance of upholding the values of integrity, professionalism, and service that define the Nigeria Police Force.
“The IGP further charged the officers with inspiring confidence both within the ranks of the Force and among the citizens they are sworn to protect and expressed strong belief in their ability to excel in their new leadership roles and contribute to the continued progress and effectiveness of the Nigeria Police Force.”