Arriving at Banjul International Airport Friday night, Deputy National Organising Secretary Ebrima Dibba was apprehended. Authorities at the airport detained Dibba, and rumours have it that his arrest is related to an audio message that went viral when he posted it online.

Dibba accused President Adama Barrow of corruption and ineptitude in the contentious clip, which featured him brutally criticising the leadership and policies of Barrow. A prominent player in Gambian politics, Dibba is known for his outspokenness and frequent criticisms of President Barrow’s administration. Prompting significant reactions from both government officials and fans, the audio message swiftly disseminated across social media channels.

The government’s position on free expression and political opposition is being called into doubt as word of Dibba’s arrest spreads. People who believe in Dibba’s right to freely express his political views are calling for his swift release from prison.

“No one should be subjected to arbitrary arrest or detention,” wrote Kanifing Mayor Talib Bensouda in a Facebook post expressing his disgust. Depriving someone of their liberty should only be done according to the rules set out by law and only on certain conditions. It is completely acceptable to criticise public officials and institutions without fear of legal repercussions.

Concerning a similar matter, there have been unverified allegations suggesting that Pa Sonko of the UDP, who was helping to transfer Dibba’s belongings by land, was briefly detained and interrogated by police in Amdalai before being finally freed.

A contentious discussion has broken out concerning the boundaries of free speech and the ability to criticise public authorities following Ebrima Dibba’s imprisonment. Authorities are still looking into the case, so the situation is still tight.