The Nigeria Police Force has reportedly arrested Dr. Fabian Ihekweme, a former commissioner and outspoken critic of Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma.
Ihekweme was allegedly detained at his Abuja residence on Wednesday in the presence of his wife and children. He was subsequently transported to Owerri, the Imo State capital.
Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju condemned the arrest on Thursday, describing it as an assault on free speech. In a statement on social media, Adeyanju claimed Ihekweme’s criticism of Governor Uzodimma was the reason for his detention.
“Dr. Fabian Ihekweme was abducted by policemen yesterday in front of his wife and children at their Abuja home and taken to Owerri. His crime: criticizing Hope Uzodimma, Imo State governor,” Adeyanju wrote.
Adeyanju further accused the government of using repressive tactics to silence dissent, warning of the implications for democracy in Nigeria.
The arrest has drawn widespread condemnation from human rights activists and political commentators, who allege a growing trend of using state security forces to suppress opposition voices. Critics have accused the Uzodimma administration of leveraging its authority to intimidate detractors.
As of now, the Nigeria Police Force has not released an official statement regarding former commissioner Ihekweme’s arrest or provided details of any charges against him.
