Abuja (Nigeria) – Human rights lawyers have reportedly expressed concern over the arrest and prosecution of a man who named his dog “Buhari”.
Joe Chinakwe, 41, who named his dog ‘Buhari’, was released from prison on Thursday, four days after being granted bail.
Chinakwe met his bail conditions after receiving about N90 000 through fundraising appeals coordinated by a human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong.
He was released around noon on Thursday and went straight to his residence in Sango-Otta, Ogun State.
The accused was sent to prison on Monday for conduct likely to cause breach of the peace in a case with suit number MOT/617c/2016.
The Chief Magistrate, BJ Ojikutu, admitted him to bail in the sum of N50 000 with two sureties in like sum, adding that the sureties must be regular taxpayers in the state.
According to Premium Times, the case has left many apprehensive about free speech in Nigeria.
Lawyers and activists accused the police and the government of acting swiftly on what seems less important, while far graver offenses receive no response.
“I am going to request the attorney-general of Ogun State to discontinue the frivolous charge,” Femi Falana, a rights lawyer was quoted as saying.
“It is against Section 36(9) of the Constitution to charge a man for a criminal offence that is unknown to law. It is also illegal to use the machinery of government to harass any citizen.”
Source: News24
