The Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (ANTP) on Thursday called for the immediate release of popular Yoruba movie actor, Babatunde Omidina, aka Baba Suwe, by the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
"With the fact that nothing incriminating has been found on him, we are hereby demanding his immediate and unconditional release from the custody of NDLEA," ANTP president, Jide Kosoko told journalists in Lagos.
Baba Suwe was arrested by the NDLEA on October 12 at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos on suspicion that he had ingested substances suspected to be hard drugs.
Mr Kosoko said it was surprising that after more than a week in custody and excreting about three times under close observation, the NDLEA have refused to release the actor.
The veteran actor noted that aside the violation of Baba Suwe's fundamental human rights, his continued detention was already breaking down his fragile health, as he was said to be on medication.
Kosoko further bemoaned the bad publicity which the arrest and detention had generated, adding that it had brought the theatre industry into public odium.
Kosoko said: "Everybody in our industry is now seen as a potential drug pusher. This is a tag we reject in totality. We do not dispute the fact that there are bound to be a few bad ones in a large professional grouping.
"We make bold to say that we are not drug pushers but hard working professionals who have worked hard to earn decent living and the good name we presently enjoy."
He, therefore, appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan and Lagos State governor, Babatunde Fashola to prevail on the agency to release the actor from custody.
The ANTP president also appealed to the Senate and House of Representatives Committee on Human Rights and the National Human Rights Commission to intervene in the matter.
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