A civil society organisation, Concerned Citizens Leadership Integrity & Transparency Advocacy Initiative (CLITAAI), has called on the Minister of Interior, Olubumi Tunji-Ojo, to immediately and unconditionally release the detained Emorioloye Owolemi.
In a statement in Abuja on Friday, Spokesman of CLITAAI, Isaiah Davies Ijele, decried the brazen abuse of power by the use of state apparatus to silence dissenting voices.
“Freedom of speech is a fundamental right enshrined in many constitutions around the world, including Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (Section 39). It’s the bedrock of democracy, allowing citizens to express opinions, ideas, and thoughts without fear of reprisal,” Ijele said.
He condemned the manner of Owolemi’s arrest, describing it as “gestapo” and appalling for a democratic society. “The location of Owolemi, who was picked up yesterday in Ondo State in the most crude manner by the men of Nigeria Police, is yet to be known,” Ijele added.
CLITAAI is urging the authorities to respect human rights and ensure Owolemi’s release without delay.