Amnesty International has condemned the arrest and continued detention of Farouk Ozigi Onimisi, describing the action as unlawful and indicative of a broader pattern of repression of free expression in Kogi State.
In a statement, the rights group alleged that the detention was orchestrated by the state government under Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, with the involvement of the Accountant General, Habibat Tijani Onumoko. Amnesty International characterised the development as an abuse of power and a violation of fundamental rights.
The organisation maintained that Onimisi had committed no criminal offence, stressing that citizens retain the constitutional right to criticise public officials regardless of their position. It warned that such actions risk eroding democratic norms and civic freedoms.
Amnesty International further criticised what it described as the growing use of security agencies and judicial processes by authorities in Kogi State to stifle dissent. It described as “questionable” allegations that the detainee intended to organise a protest, arguing that peaceful assembly and expression are protected rights.
The group also raised concerns over the broader climate facing young Nigerians, noting an increase in reported cases of threats, arrests, detention, and harassment linked to online expression. According to Amnesty, such trends signal a shrinking civic space and pose significant risks to democratic participation.
It called for the immediate release of Onimisi and urged authorities to uphold the rule of law, respect human rights obligations, and ensure that citizens can freely express their views without fear of reprisals.
