Dr. Fabian Ihekweme, a vocal critic of Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, is currently hospitalized after spending 61 days in detention at Tiger Base, a police detention center in Owerri. Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju revealed on social media that Ihekweme was arrested at his Abuja residence on November 27, 2024, in the presence of his family and transported to Owerri.
Ihekweme, a former governorship candidate in Imo and a former Commissioner of Foreign and International Relations, became a critic of Uzodimma’s administration, calling for transparency and accountability. His arrest and detention have been condemned by a coalition of 13 civil society organizations, which petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to act against the Anti-Kidnapping Unit (Tiger Base) and the State Investigation Department (SID) in Imo State.
During his detention, Ihekweme’s wife, Mrs. Excel Ihekweme, petitioned the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and President Bola Tinubu, seeking intervention in her husband’s unlawful arrest and detention. She alleged that her husband was forcefully arrested without a warrant, denied medical care, and subjected to inhumane treatment.
Ihekweme was compelled to sign an undertaking to be of good behavior and refrain from inciting articles against the government. He expressed regret for his previous articles and thanked the Nigeria Police Force for their professionalism during his detention.
Ihekweme, who was released on Thursday, is currently receiving medical treatment at an undisclosed hospital in the state.
