The Nigerian Police have arrested Dr. Fabian Ihekweme, a former commissioner and outspoken critic of Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma. The arrest took place on Wednesday at his residence in Abuja, where Ihekweme was reportedly taken into custody in the presence of his wife and children. Sources indicate that he was then transported to Owerri, Imo State.
Human rights lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, quickly condemned the arrest, revealing the details on social media. In a tweet, Adeyanju described Ihekweme’s detention as an “abduction” and pointed out that the former commissioner was targeted for his public criticism of Governor Uzodinma. He further likened the alleged intolerance for dissent to the attitude of Nigerian musician Burna Boy, adding, “Like Uzodinma, like Burna Boy.”
The police have yet to comment on the incident, which has sparked concerns over freedom of speech in the country.
