Alleged defamation: Police arrest human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi
by Adenle Ahmed Abiola · The Eagle OnlineOperatives from Zone 2 Police Command, Lagos, have reportedly arrested human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi following a defamation petition filed by a complainant.
Farotimi’s arrest was revealed by the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, in a post on his X handle on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Farotimi had earlier raised concerns about alleged threats to his life, accusing Nigerian elites of collaborating with security agencies and legal practitioners to intimidate him.
In a statement titled “They Want to Silence Me”, the lawyer recounted receiving a police invitation on November 11, requesting his presence at Zone 2 Command on November 13 at 10:00 AM.
Accompanied by his legal counsel, Farotimi reportedly arrived at the station at 9:45 AM on the specified date.
- Reps seek probe of recurring boat accidents, improved maritime safety
- World Disability Day: WSCIJ calls for inclusion of PwDs in media
- Alleged defamation: Police arrest human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi
- UBA heralds festive season, lights up Lagos Marina Garden
- Olubadan receives NIOB honorary fellowship
“At the station, I was presented with a petition written by a lawyer, accusing me of defamation,” Farotimi stated. “Despite finding the petition baseless, I addressed its content.”
Reacting to the lawyer’s arrest, Sowore posited that the police should not be used to settle personal disputes.
The prominent human rights activist thereby called for Farotimi’s immediate release.
Sowore wrote, “It is pertinent that the Nigerian police are notified that the institution cannot continue to be used to settle personal scores, and we, the citizens of Nigeria, would no longer tolerate such a situation.”
“Therefore, the Police at Zone 2 in Lagos are advised to release Barrister Farotimi immediately,” he added.
Post Views: 2