On Wednesday, December 4, 2024, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) strongly condemned the arrest of lawyer Dele Farotimi by the Nigeria Police Force. Farotimi was arrested over accusations related to libel.
In a statement released in Abuja, NBA President Afam Osigwe expressed concern over the police allegedly invading Farotimi’s law firm and harassing the lawyers and staff there. Osigwe described the police’s actions as a serious violation of the rule of law and a threat to the legal profession.
He pointed out that while the police have the power to investigate crimes, they must do so within the law. Osigwe emphasized that libel is not considered a criminal offense under the laws of Lagos State. He reminded everyone that the Criminal Law of Lagos State, passed in 2011, removed defamation from its criminal code, aligning with global standards that treat defamation as a civil matter, not a crime.
DAILY POST reported that Farotimi was arrested for allegedly defaming Tony Elumelu, the Chairman of United Bank for Africa. He was taken from his home in Lagos to Ado Ekiti, where he is currently being questioned. His arrest has sparked outrage and condemnation from many well-known Nigerians.
