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 cyberbullying as a breach of his fundamental rights.
The development, according to the legal practitioner, raises serious concerns on constitutional freedoms and the rule of law.
In a signed statement made available to Blueprint, 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 on 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 arguements, 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.
Prolonged detention: Court orders Police to produce detainees, fixes today for hearing
Lawyers representing Alhaji Muhammed and Bashir Ibrahim Lambo have petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, alleging the unlawful continued detention of their clients for more than four weeks without arraignment or the grant of bail.
In the petition written by Muhammad Awwal Abdulahi, dated August 12, 2026 and addressed to the Inspector-General of Police, the lawyers said the two men were arrested by officers of the Force Intelligence Department (FID) on July 28, 2026, and subsequently transferred to the IGP Monitoring Department, where they have allegedly remained in custody without being charged before a court or granted bail.
The petition followed an earlier legal intervention before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Suit No. FCT/HC/CV/3554/26, instituted over the continued detention of the two men.
According to the lawyers, the High Court had made an order in relation to the detention but alleged that police officers had failed, neglected, or refused to comply with the order.
The petitioners contended that the continued detention of their clients violated their constitutional rights to personal liberty, particularly the provisions of Section 35(1), (4) and (5) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended.
They argued that persons arrested are required to be brought before a court of competent jurisdiction within a reasonable time and that the prolonged detention of their clients without arraignment amounted to a violation of their fundamental rights.
The lawyers therefore urged the Inspector-General of Police to intervene urgently and secure the immediate release of the two men on administrative bail, pending the conclusion of any investigation.
In the alternative, they urged the police to charge their clients before a competent court without further delay.
Meanwhile, the Federal Capital Territory High Court has ordered the police authorities to produce the two detainees before the court and explain why they are still being held in detention and why they should not be granted bail.
The order was made by Justice A. M. Abdullahi in the same suit, FCT/HC/CV/3554/26, filed by Alhaji Muhammed and Bashir Ibrahim Lambo against the Inspector-General of Police and other police authorities.
The court, in an order made pursuant to the applicants’ alternative prayer, directed the respondents to produce the applicants before the court and show cause why they were still in the detention facility and why the applicants should not be granted bail.
The court adjourned the matter to August 17, 2026, for hearing.
