Barely 12 hours after Chocolate City Entertainment boss and Nigerian lawyer, Audu Maikori was arrested by the police, the Nigerian online community has started a movement protesting the arrest and calling for his liberation.

Maikori’s arrest is linked to his tweets about a fatal attack on his relatives in Southern Kaduna that turned out to be false, his lawyer, Mark Jacobs told PREMIUM TIMES on Friday.

Jacobs said the 41-year-old was arrested in Lagos around noon Friday by a team of police officers attached to inspector-general monitoring and intelligence team and was immediately transferred to the Force Headquarters in Abuja.

“I arrived at the Force Headquarters and learnt that a detention order has already been signed for him,” Jacobs said. “I am not sure he will be released tonight.”

He added that he was told by the police that a magistrate issued warrant for Mr. Maikori’s arrest and are planning to charged him with attempt to “incite” the public.

Maikori is one of the strong voices against the restiveness and violence going on in Southern Kaduna. His arrest is coming nearly four weeks after he narrated an attack that purportedly took place in the area.

Here are some of the posts calling for his immediate release.

One of the fundamental duties of our Government is to protect our Human Rights but the same Government(#nigeria) and its associates constantly abuse its own citizens Human Rights. When is it an offence to speak up against the evil atrocities of some individual? #freeaudu #Africa #freeaudumaikori

A post shared by Michael Tubes Creations (@michaeltubescreations) on Feb 18, 2017 at 1:38am PST

He already apologized for what so ever he did,he acted base on his personal relation to his own driver,which turns out to be false, the driver just extort money from him with a white lie, Nigerians is this enough reason for @audumaikori to be arrested ? Every day we live to celebrate Murderers, looters, Embezzlers,Criminals in our so called government Audu is an activist his voice is out for not just my home #southernkaduna but for every tribe and religion #freeaudu #FreeAuduMaikori @Regrann from @rubygyang – God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. #FreeAudu #NigeriaFirst #SouthernKaduna #FreeAuduMaikori – #regrann

A post shared by Jerry Yashim Mungai (@jerrymayaah) on Feb 18, 2017 at 1:37am PST

At Bariats, we support our own. Free our brother, #FreeAuduMaikori #FreeAudu #freeaudumaikori #freedomofspeech #kaduna #SouthernKaduna #wehavearightospeak

A post shared by Bariats. Makeup (@bariats.makeup) on Feb 18, 2017 at 1:39am PST

We stand for TRUTH we rep TRUTH and we believe in TRUTH… #freeaudu #freeaudumaikori #free #freedom #truth #government #peace #life #haters #love

A post shared by Fredrick Okojie (@jeezreal) on Feb 18, 2017 at 2:00am PST

#FreeAudu

A post shared by Black Hulk (@eddiemadaki) on Feb 17, 2017 at 1:47pm PST

The highest office of the land is that of the citizen and the collective will always supersede any other #FreeAudu #FreeAuduMaikori #OfficeOfTheCitizen #WeveBeenHereBefore #Brewing

A post shared by Adebola Williams (@debolalagos) on Feb 17, 2017 at 3:39pm PST

The highest office of the land is that of the citizen and the collective will always supersede any other #FreeAudu #FreeAuduMaikori #OfficeOfTheCitizen #WeveBeenHereBefore #Brewing

A post shared by Adebola Williams (@debolalagos) on Feb 17, 2017 at 3:39pm PST

I totally cannot understand the reason why he was invited to Kaduna and held in custody. But this is one of the leading lights in our country today, with a great track record in business @ChocCity! We must stop trying to hold people who speak against things that happen in Government. #FREEAUDU

A post shared by Ben (@benolumhense) on Feb 18, 2017 at 1:39am PST

Our civil rights must not be encroached!! @audu has been detained in Abuja right now.. #freeAudu @bellanaija @lindaikeji

— Yung denzL (@MI_Abaga) February 17, 2017

I voted for freedom of speech.. why is @Audu being denied it #FreeAudu cc @amnestyusa @BBCWorld @SaharaReporters @cnni

— Yung denzL (@MI_Abaga) February 17, 2017

Today in 1977 – Fela Kuti's rights were trampled
Today – Audu Maikori's rights are been trampled
No change!#FreeAudu #FreeAuduMaikori

— Sledge (@AgwahMichael) February 18, 2017

After someone will tell me DSS didn't arrest 2face to make him decline from the protest. Now is Audu #FreeAudu

— Hillz (@Chuks_hillz) February 18, 2017

Don't know what to make of this. Thought this was 2017. #FreeAudu pic.twitter.com/QtFubcYTT3

— Ken (@NwokeAnam) February 18, 2017

Be careful just shouting "Freedom of Speech". Audu is one of our own. He apologised for his mistake. Fight Incitement Charge. #FreeAudu

— Ayo Shonaiya (@AyoShonaiya) February 18, 2017