Bobrisky’s arrest unconstitutional, violates freedom of movement – Rights lawyer
By Efe Onodjae
Renowned human rights lawyer Festus Ogun has condemned the arrest of controversial crossdresser Okuneye Idris, also known as Bobrisky, by the Nigerian Immigration Service.
Ogun expressed his anger via his Facebook page, stating that denying a Nigerian citizen the right to leave the country without a legal basis is entirely wrongful.
He noted that there are no charges against Bobrisky and that he has the right to freedom of movement and personal liberty guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution.
The statement read: “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.
“Denying a Nigerian citizen the right to leave his country without a legal basis is entirely wrongful. There are no charges currently pending against Bobrisky. 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?
“I am afraid there is no legal justification for this recent arrest and refusal to allow him to exit Nigeria. The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) must desist from undermining citizens’ fundamental rights on grounds that are not rooted in law. 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.’
“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.”
Recall that the Nigerian Immigration Service intercepted Bobrisky at the Sème border on Monday while he was attempting to leave the country.
It was revealed that the crossdresser spent Monday night at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) annex in Alagbon, Lagos.
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