Dr. Fabian Ihekweme, former Commissioner for International Affairs in the Hope Uzodinma administration and Governor of Imo State in Nigeria, has been released from police custody after being detained for almost two months.

It is alleged that his release follows a purported letter directed to the Imo State Governor apologizing for some unsubstantiated allegations he levelled against him.

On Wednesday, November 27, 2024, Dr. Fabian Ihekweme, a former Foreign Affairs Commissioner and vocal critic of Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, was arrested by the Nigeria Police Force in front of his wife and children at his Abuja residence. He was allegedly taken from his home and transported to Owerri, Imo State. 

This development followed his criticism of the Hope Uzodinma administration. Police claim that he was arrested on charges of seditious and inflammatory publications aimed at inciting civil unrest in the state, adding that he was arrested and detained following due process.

Dr. Ihekweme’s detention has ignited public backlash, with activists and political commentators accusing Governor Uzodimma’s administration of stifling opposition and increasingly clamping down on dissent.

The WADEMOS Network joined in the condemnation of the attack on free speech and the weaponization of security agencies to intimidate and gag voices critical of government conduct. The Network also added its voice to the calls by the CSO community in Nigeria to demand the immediate and unconditional release of Dr. Fabian Ihekweme and for all the charges leveled against him to be dropped.

Following his release, Dr. Ihekweme was hospitalized after being ill.

A family source who narrated his ordeal while in the custody of the Tiger Base Unit of Imo State Police Command, said the former Commissioner took ill while in detention and did not receive proper treatment.