HURIWA seeks release of Dele Farotimi, orders probe into military alleged oil bunkering ties

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has demanded the immediate release of human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi and an end to the harassment of investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo.

The group in a statement by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, condemned the arrests, describing them as an attack on democracy and an attempt to stifle dissent in Nigeria.

HURIWA expressed alarm over the detention of Dele Farotimi by the Nigeria Police Force in Lagos, following defamation petitions reportedly filed by the UBA Group Chairman, Tony Elumelu and Afe Babalola, founder of Afe Babalola University.

The association decried the detention as a targeted attempt to intimidate Farotimi, known for his outspoken stance against corruption and human rights abuses.

The group also criticized the three-day detention of journalist Fisayo Soyombo by the Nigerian Army.

HURIWA argued that such actions endanger press freedom and reflect the shrinking civic space in Nigeria.

“Dele Farotimi and Fisayo Soyombo are not criminals. Their arrests are a disturbing trend of silencing voices that speak truth to power, HURIWA stated, adding that these actions raise concerns about the state of Nigeria’s democracy under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The group called on President Tinubu to address the military’s alleged complicity in illegal oil bunkering, as revealed by Soyombo’s investigation. “Instead of targeting journalists, the government should focus on tackling corruption and safeguarding national security,” HURIWA noted.

HURIWA also warned that suppressing investigative journalism emboldens corrupt practices within security agencies, further harming Nigeria’s economy and governance. The group accused the administration of fostering fear rather than transparency, a move they argued undermines democracy and stability.

The association appealed to the international community, urging global human rights bodies and foreign governments to hold Nigeria accountable for its actions. “The crackdown on free speech and press freedom is a test case for President Tinubu’s commitment to democratic principles. The world is watching,” HURIWA concluded.