Police arrest former Imo commissioner for criticising Gov Hope Uzodimma

The Nigeria Police Force has reportedly arrested Dr Fabian Ihekweme, a former commissioner and outspoken critic of Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma.

According to reports, Ihekweme was taken from his residence in Abuja on Wednesday in the presence of his wife and children and transported to Owerri, the Imo State capital.

Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju, in a tweet on Thursday, condemned the arrest, describing it as an attack on free speech. He claimed Ihekweme’s only crime was criticizing Governor Uzodimma.

“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 Uzodimma, Imo State governor,” Adeyanju tweeted.

Adeyanju further criticized what he described as an increasingly authoritarian approach to dissent in the country.

As of now, the police are yet to release an official statement regarding the arrest.

Ihekweme’s arrest has sparked outrage among human rights advocates and political observers, who argue that the move reflects a growing pattern of stifling dissent in Nigeria.

Critics have accused the Uzodimma administration of using law enforcement agencies to silence opposition voices and suppress public criticism.