By Paul Akomolehin, South West
DAILY COURIER - Prominent voices, including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and Labour Party's Peter Obi, have called for the immediate and unconditional release of human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi, who was arrested by the Ekiti State Police Command on allegations of defamation.
Farotimi, a well-known activist, was arraigned before a Magistrate’s Court in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday following accusations that his book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System, defamed legal icon Afe Babalola. The book alleges Babalola influenced judicial decisions at the Supreme Court.
Despite pleading not guilty to a 16-count charge of defamation, Farotimi was remanded in prison, sparking widespread condemnation from legal and political circles.
NBA Condemns Arrest as Legal Breach
In a statement signed by its National President, Afam Osigwe, the NBA described Farotimi’s arrest as “a troubling breach of the rule of law and the sanctity of the legal profession.”
The association pointed out that defamation, as alleged in this case, is no longer considered a criminal offence under Lagos State laws.
“The Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011 repealed the criminalization of defamation. The Supreme Court reaffirmed this position in Aviomoh v. Commissioner of Police & Anor (2021). Arresting Dele Farotimi on allegations of libel violates these established legal principles,” the NBA stated.
It urged the police to release Farotimi immediately, emphasizing that law enforcement agencies must prioritize human rights and adhere to constitutional principles.
Atiku Abubakar: "A Step Back to Military-Era Oppression"
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar criticized the arrest as a troubling sign of growing authoritarianism.
“This arrest exemplifies this administration’s intent to silence critics and pave the way for a one-party state,” Atiku said in a statement on Wednesday. “Freedom of speech is a constitutionally protected right, and any grievances over defamation should be addressed in court, not through police intimidation.”
Atiku noted that as a victim of defamation himself, he has always pursued legal redress instead of weaponizing law enforcement. He called on the authorities to refrain from using the police for private interests.
Peter Obi: "A Gross Abuse of Power"
Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, took to X (formerly Twitter) to denounce the police action as a “gross abuse of power.”
“Defamation is a civil matter to be resolved in court. The Nigerian Police Force must uphold citizens’ rights and avoid being weaponized to settle personal disputes,” Obi wrote.
Obi also expressed concerns about the erosion of democratic principles, emphasizing that the police must remain independent and professional.
“The resort to police intervention in this case undermines justice and raises questions about the integrity of the force,” he added.
Growing Calls for Farotimi’s Release
Both Atiku and Obi urged the police to release Farotimi without delay, stressing the importance of protecting free speech and upholding human rights in a democratic society.
The incident has reignited debates about police independence and the misuse of state apparatus for personal vendettas.
The arrest of Dele Farotimi has drawn sharp criticism from the legal community and political leaders, who view it as a dangerous precedent for democracy in Nigeria. As public outrage grows, all eyes remain on the authorities to see how they navigate the contentious case amid calls for justice and respect for the rule of law.
