Dele Farotimi, a renowned human rights lawyer and vocal advocate for justice, is currently imprisoned for what has been described as the “crime” of consistently speaking truth to power.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has raised alarm over Farotimi’s detention, condemning it as a violation of fundamental rights and a troubling indication of the growing climate of repression in Nigeria.

In a statement commemorating International Human Rights Day, Atiku criticized the circumstances surrounding Farotimi’s incarceration, highlighting that he is being prosecuted under a cyberbullying law that, according to Atiku, does not exist in Ekiti State.

“Dele Farotimi’s only offense lies in his unwavering commitment to uncovering truths that certain powers would prefer to keep hidden,” Atiku said. “His plight is a poignant reflection of the pervasive climate of impunity and the blatant violation of citizens’ rights that has become alarmingly prevalent in our nation.”

The former presidential candidate for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) also expressed deep concern over what he described as the weaponization of laws, including the cyberbullying law, to intimidate opposition voices and suppress dissent.

Farotimi’s detention has sparked widespread condemnation from civil society organizations and activists, who see his case as a stark example of the misuse of legal frameworks to stifle freedom of expression.

Atiku used the occasion to urge Nigerian leaders to honor their constitutional obligations.

“On this solemn occasion, let us remind our leaders at all levels of the sacred oaths they took to protect and uphold the constitutionally enshrined rights of the people. Only through this commitment can we hope to nurture and strengthen our democracy,” he stated.

The call for justice comes as Nigeria faces increasing scrutiny over its human rights record, with activists warning of the potential erosion of democratic principles if such practices persist.