A human rights lawyer, Festus Ogun, has voiced strong opposition to the recent arrest of Nigerian crossdresser Bobrisky while he was trying to leave the country for the Benin Republic. This incident took place on the night of October 20, when Bobrisky was stopped at the Sème border by the Nigerian Immigration Service.
In a post on his social media account, Ogun argued that it is completely wrong to deny any Nigerian citizen the right to exit their country without a legal basis. He emphasized that everyone should have the freedom to travel, and stopping someone without justification violates their rights.
‘’Nigeria Immigration’s recent arrest of Bobrisky while traveling out of Nigeria on the basis that “he is a person of interest over recent issues of public concern” is arbitrary, illegal and unconstitutional.
Denying a Nigerian citizen from exiting his country without a legal basis is entirely wrongful. There is no charge currently pending against Bobrisky. What exactly is the offence allegedly committed by Bobrisky that would warrant his arrest and continuous harassment? I mean, 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 of exit from Nigeria. The Nigeria Immigration Service (“the NIS”) must desist from toying with citizens fundamental rights on grounds that are not rooted in law. If the NIS is allowed to get away with this, the Nigerian state would not hesitate in using this trend to restrict the freedom of its citizens (particularly journalists, activists and vocal patriots) to exit the country on the basis that they are “a person of interest”.
We must avert this perilous precedent. Lest, we are all a risk.
May the shovel we call spoon today not be used to dig our graves.”
Following his interception at the border, Bobrisky was taken to the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) annex in Alagbon, Lagos. Ogun’s comments highlight ongoing concerns about citizens’ rights and the importance of upholding legal standards in such situations.
As discussions about human rights continue, this incident has sparked conversations about the rights of individuals in Nigeria and the role of law enforcement in upholding those rights.
