The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has condemned what it described as the unlawful arrest and continued detention of one Faruk Ozigi Onimisi in Kogi State, alleging a growing pattern of repression against opposition figures in the state.
In a statement issued in Abuja by its Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Abdulmumin Ohiare Abdulsalam, the party condemned the alleged arrest and continued detention of Onimisi, a recent defector from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the NDC.
He warned of imminent legal and international action.
According to the NDC, Onimisi was reportedly abducted in what it described as a “kidnap-style operation” from his residence in Kubwa, Abuja, and subsequently transported to Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, by operatives allegedly acting on directives from the state government.
The party further claimed that the political activist is being held at the State Criminal Investigation Department under inhumane conditions, including solitary confinement and alleged torture. It also stated that he has been denied access to legal representation, family members, and has not been formally charged in court, actions it says violate his fundamental human rights.
The NDC argued that Onimisi’s arrest was linked to his alleged plans to organize a civic protest against the state government, describing the move as a “repressive tactic” frequently deployed to silence dissenting voices.
“This is a clear breach of constitutional rights. No citizen should be detained indefinitely without charge,” the statement said, calling for his immediate release or prompt arraignment before a competent court.
The NDC warned that the situation reflects a broader climate of political intolerance, particularly against opposition figures, and urged security agencies to maintain neutrality and professionalism.
It also called on the Kogi State Government to uphold democratic principles and respect citizens’ rights to lawful assembly and expression.
While expressing concern over the development, the party urged its supporters to remain calm and law-abiding, assuring that it would pursue legal and institutional channels to address the matter.
