THE Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned the arrest of Lagos-based lawyer, Dele Farotimi, by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) over libel allegations.
The NBA made its decision on the arrest known through its president, Afam Osigwe, on Tuesday night, in Abuja.
It also demanded the immediate release of the lawyer.
The NBA strongly condemned the alleged invasion of Farotimi’s law firm and the harassment of lawyers and staff within the premises by the police.
The NBA described the police actions as a troubling breach of the rule of law and the sanctity of the legal profession.
It emphasised that while the police had the authority to investigate crimes, they must do so within the confines of the law and only for recognised offences under Nigerian law.
The group pointed out that the alleged offence of libel, for which Farotimi was arrested, is not recognised as a criminal offence in Lagos State, citing the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011 and a Supreme Court ruling.
The NBA expressed concern over the reported invasion, highlighting the confiscation of phones from lawyers and staff as a severe disregard for the sanctity of legal practice and constitutional rights.
It called for an investigation into the invasion and harassment and emphasised the need for law enforcement agencies to prioritise legality, fairness, and human rights.
“This progressive legislative move aligns with global best practices, which treat defamation as a civil wrong rather than a criminal offence,” it said.
The police reportedly arrested Farotimi on Tuesday, December 3.
His arrest was exposed by the 2023 African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, in a post on his X handle.
Sowore demanded Farotimi’s immediate release, stressing that the police should not be exploited to settle personal scores.
Farotimi, a human rights lawyer, was detained by Ekiti State Police Command operatives in Lagos allegedly for defamation.
His arrest has sparked outrage, with notable figures like the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, describing it as a gross misuse of police powers and an assault on democracy and justice.
When contacted by The ICIR on Tuesday, the Police Zone 2 Command’s spokesperson, Ummar Ayuba, denied Farotimi’s arrest.
However, Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Adeniran Akinwale, confirmed the arrest to PUNCH Online, citing defamation of character and cyberstalking as offences he allegedly committed.
A reporter with the ICIR
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