Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the arrest of civil rights activist Dele Farotimi, describing it as a troubling echo of “the dark days of military dictatorship.” Farotimi was arrested on Monday following defamation allegations related to his book Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System, which reportedly offended Senior Advocate of Nigeria Afe Babalola.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Atiku, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Candidate in the last election, criticized the involvement of law enforcement in what he termed a civil matter. “The arrest and detention of lawyer and human rights advocate, Dele Farotimi, is unequivocally condemned. It serves as a grim reminder of the dark days of military dictatorship when the iron fist of tyranny sought to crush all dissent,” Atiku said.

Atiku accused the Bola Tinubu-led administration of attempting to stifle free expression, warning that such actions undermine democratic principles. “It is an appalling abuse of power to use the Police as a tool for personal vendettas,” he remarked. “If anyone feels wronged by defamatory words, they are free to seek redress in the courts, not at the hands of the state’s enforcers.”

Drawing from his own experience, Atiku recalled that in 2019, he pursued a defamation case through the courts instead of involving law enforcement. He called on the government to respect constitutionally guaranteed freedoms and demanded Farotimi’s immediate and unconditional release.

Atiku also cautioned that actions like Farotimi’s arrest were part of an agenda to intimidate dissenters, suppress the press, and move Nigeria toward a one-party state.