Юрист из Абуджи требует немедленного освобождения комментатора Денниса Одамы, задержанного по обвинению в кибербуллинге

An Abuja-based legal practitioner, Etaba Agbor, Esq., has called for the immediate release of Cross River-based commentator, Dennis Odama, describing his reported arrest and continued detention over allegations of cyber bullying as a disturbing development that raises serious concerns for constitutional freedoms and the rule of law. In a signed statement made available to Blueprint on Friday, the Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association Young Lawyers Forum (NBA-YLF), noted that Odama has, over the years, remained one of the most outspoken voices on governance and public affairs in Cross River State, stressing that while his opinions may not always be popular with those in authority, criticism of government must never become a basis for arrest or intimidation. The statement partly reads: “Dennis Odama has, over time, been one of the most vocal commentators on the state of affairs in Cross River State. Whether one agrees with his views or not, he has consistently exercised his right to comment on issues affecting our dear state. “His criticisms may have ruffled a few feathers within the corridors of power, but that can never justify his unnecessary arrest and continued detention through the instrumentality of the Nigeria Police Force,” Agbor stated. Dwelling further, the NBA-YLF Secretary reminded public office holders that democracy thrives on accountability and that criticism is an indispensable component of free and responsible governance. According to him, leaders must develop the maturity to tolerate public scrutiny, emphasizing that where anyone believes they have been defamed, the appropriate remedy is to seek redress before the courts rather than invoke the coercive powers of the State. Agbor further observed that even if the allegations against Odama relate to the offence of cyberbullying under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, the alleged offence remain bailable and should not warrant prolonged detention. While charging the police o fundamental rights, the lawyer added: ” Nigeria Police Force has both constitutional and statutory obligations to respect the fundamental rights of suspects and must not use detention as a form of punishment before trial. “Criminal investigations must always be conducted within the bounds of the law and with full respect for the rights and dignity of every citizen. Where an allegation is bailable, the police should not use detention as a form of punishment before trial,” he said. On the strength of his arguments, he has therefore called for Odama’s immediate release on bail, urging the Cross River State Government and the Nigeria Police Force to allow the legal process to take its proper course if there is indeed a case to answer. He maintained that the true strength of constitutional democracy lies in protecting the rights of citizens, including those who are critical of those in authority. “Respect for the rule of law is demonstrated not when we protect the rights of those with whom we agree, but when we equally protect the rights of those who criticise those in authority,” he added.