The Nigerian Police in Ekiti State has admitted it arrested human rights advocate Dele Farotimi over an alleged “defamation of character and cyberbullying” petition filed by Tony Elumelu, Chairman of the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Group.
According to the police spokesperson, Sunday Abutu, Farotimi was arrested in Lagos and then transported to Ekiti State. He claimed that the police obtained a warrant of arrest and that the command did not act out of place.
However, human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, who called for Farotimi’s unconditional release, stated that Lagos State has decriminalized defamation. Falana cited a Supreme Court ruling confirming defamation was decriminalized in Lagos in 2011 and Edo State in 2020.
This legal provision could explain why Ekiti State police, instead of Lagos State police, were involved in Mr Farotimi’s arrest.
Peter Obi Reacts
In an angry response, former presidential candidate Peter Obi blasted the government for the arrest, describing it as a “gross misuse of police powers” and “a grave assault on the principles of democracy and justice.“
Obi called for Farotimi’s immediate release, stating that defamation is a civil matter that should be addressed in court.
In a post on his official X account, Obi said he “condemns this action in totality.”
“The Nigeria Police Force exists to protect citizens’ rights, not suppress them… Those who feel otherwise should seek redress through the proper legal channels, not by weaponizing the police or abusing their access to authority or state power,” Obi said.
Mr. Farotimi has been an ardent supporter of Mr. Obi’s presidential aspirations, serving on his 2023 presidential campaign council and as a member of the legal team that challenged the election result in court.
An online video trended, depicting the moment Mr. Farotimi was picked up on Tuesday.
No further update has been heard regarding his condition and if and when he might be charged in court.
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