Activist lawyer Maduabuchi Idam has condemned the reported arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by the United States, describing the action as heavy-handed and comparable to tactics associated with authoritarian regimes.
In a statement released on Sunday, the 4th of January, 2026, Idam cautioned global leaders against supporting the move, warning that it could establish a perilous international precedent capable of encouraging instability, unconstitutional takeovers of power, and breaches of national sovereignty.
US President Donald Trump had earlier announced that Maduro and his wife were apprehended in Caracas and subsequently transported to the United States to face drug-related charges.
Reacting to the development, Idam observed that Trump is widely perceived as combative and forceful in style, noting that he is often seen as “almost warlord-like, despite having no military experience or background. Yet, like many others, I remain a fan, perhaps drawn by his dark political seduction.”
The lawyer argued that history shows a pattern in which strong-handed leaders, even when criticised, continue to command public fascination.
He stated: “Tough leaders are often admired even when they are cited as bad examples, reason, figures such as Muammar Gaddafi, Idi Amin, and Saddam Hussein continue to be revered in some quarters, and stories about them attract more readership than those about gentler leaders. Even today, Goodluck Jonathan remains comparatively unpopular when measured against General Sani Abacha.
“President Trump’s latest outing in Venezuela; for invading the (sovereign) nation in a Hitler’s gestapo fashion and arresting and transporting her (elected ) leader to his home country USA remains the height of power blazing if not suppression or oppression.
“Admittedly, the United States of America is often regarded within the international system as a de facto “world policeman,” capable of exerting influence over other member states of the United Nations and imposing penal or economic sanctions where necessary.
“However, to physically enter another sovereign state, arrest a sitting president, and transport that leader to the United States is an action that does not enjoy broad endorsement even within the United Nations itself. Such conduct would run contrary to Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, which provides that all Members shall refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.
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“Therefore, any such action, if left unchecked, would pose a grave danger to other sovereign states within the United Nations system. Whatever the alleged crimes of President Maduro may be, they can lawfully await the end of his tenure.
“Alternative measures such as economic or diplomatic sanctions remain available to the US, but neither his deposition nor his arrest while in office accords with established principles of international law.
“In light of the above, the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro vide US military action as claimed by President Trump should not receive public endorsement; otherwise, it could set a dangerous precedent, opening the door to coups, anarchy, and violations of territorial sovereignty.”
Idam concluded by stressing that adherence to international law and respect for state sovereignty must remain paramount, regardless of the allegations against any sitting leader.