The Nigeria Police Force has reportedly arrested Dr. Fabian Ihekweme, a former commissioner and outspoken critic of Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma. The arrest occurred on Wednesday at his Abuja residence in the presence of his wife and children.
Dr. Ihekweme was allegedly apprehended by the police and subsequently transported to Owerri, the capital of Imo State. The specific reasons behind his arrest remain unclear, but the incident has sparked criticism and outrage among observers.
Prominent human rights lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju, shared details of the arrest in a tweet on Thursday. He described the incident as a direct attack on freedom of speech and alleged that the arrest was politically motivated. Adeyanju stated, “Dr. Fabian Ihekweme, a critic, was abducted by policemen yesterday in front of his wife and children in their Abuja home and taken to Owerri. His crime: criticizing Hope Uzodinma, Imo State Governor.”
Adeyanju further condemned Governor Uzodinma’s alleged intolerance of dissent, drawing a controversial comparison between the governor and Nigerian artist Burna Boy, who has been accused of similar behavior toward criticism. “Like Uzodinma, like Burna Boy,” Adeyanju remarked.
The arrest has raised questions about the suppression of dissenting voices and the abuse of state institutions to silence critics. As of now, the Nigeria Police Force has not issued an official statement or clarification regarding the incident.
