Renowned human rights lawyer Festus Ogun has vehemently condemned the recent arrest of controversial crossdresser Okuneye Idris, better known as Bobrisky, by the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS). Ogun took to Facebook to express his outrage, arguing that the denial of a Nigerian citizen’s right to leave the country without a legal basis is fundamentally unjust.
Ogun emphasized that there are currently no charges against Bobrisky, asserting that he is entitled to the freedom of movement and personal liberty protected under the 1999 Constitution. He stated, “The Nigerian Immigration Service’s recent arrest of Bobrisky while he was traveling out of Nigeria on the grounds that ‘he is a person of interest over recent issues of public concern’ is arbitrary, illegal, and unconstitutional.”
In his statement, Ogun posed critical questions regarding the justification for Bobrisky’s arrest: “What exactly is the alleged offense that would warrant his arrest and continuous harassment? What is the legal justification for denying him the right to freedom of movement and personal liberty guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution?”
He further stressed the implications of the NIS’s actions, declaring, “I am afraid there is no legal justification for this recent arrest and refusal to allow him to exit Nigeria. The NIS must desist from undermining citizens’ fundamental rights on grounds that are not rooted in law.” Ogun warned that if such practices continue, they could set a dangerous precedent for the Nigerian state.
The human rights lawyer continued, “If the NIS is allowed to get away with this, the Nigerian state may not hesitate to restrict the freedom of its citizens—particularly journalists, activists, and vocal patriots—on the basis that they are ‘persons of interest.’” He highlighted the broader consequences of such actions on civil liberties in Nigeria.
Ogun’s passionate plea serves as a rallying cry for the protection of citizens’ rights. He stated, “We must avert this perilous precedent. Lest we all become at risk. May the shovel we call a spoon today not be used to dig our graves.” His comments underscore the importance of safeguarding fundamental freedoms in the country.
Recall that the NIS intercepted Bobrisky at the Sème border on Monday while he was attempting to leave Nigeria. The circumstances surrounding the arrest have drawn significant media attention and public scrutiny.
Following his arrest, it was revealed that Bobrisky spent Monday night at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) annex in Alagbon, Lagos. This situation has prompted discussions about the treatment of individuals deemed “persons of interest” by authorities.
