By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
Dr. Fabian Ihekweme, a former Imo State commissioner, was arrested by the police at his Abuja home on Wednesday in front of his wife and children. He was taken to Owerri, Imo State’s capital. Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju condemned the arrest, tweeting, “His crime: criticizing Hope Uzodimma, Imo State governor.”
Adeyanju called the incident an attack on free speech, warning of growing repression in Nigeria. The arrest has sparked widespread outrage, with critics accusing Governor Uzodimma’s administration of using state security to silence opposition. The police have not issued an official statement, raising concerns over the abuse of power.
This arrest seems to reflect a troubling trend of suppressing dissent, which could erode the democratic values that are supposed to protect free expression.
