Human rights lawyer and activist, Dele Farotimi arrested for defamation

Officers from Zone 2 Command, Lagos, have arrested human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi following a defamation petition filed by a complainant.

Sources revealed that the petition alleged that Farotimi made defamatory statements against the complainant in a public forum.

Earlier, Farotimi had 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.

“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.”

The arrest has sparked widespread condemnation, with prominent human rights activist Omoyele Sowore calling for Farotimi’s immediate release.

In a statement shared on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Sowore criticised the Police for allegedly serving as a tool for personal grievances.

“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 wrote.