Human Rights Lawyer Dele Farotimi Arrested Over Alleged Defamation

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

The petition, which alleges that Farotimi made defamatory statements in a public forum, has led to his detention.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that according to sources, the defamation complaint was lodged after Farotimi reportedly made critical remarks about the complainant in a public setting. Farotimi, however, has raised concerns about the circumstances surrounding his arrest, alleging that it stems from an attempt to silence him.

Earlier, Farotimi had expressed fears for his safety, claiming that powerful Nigerian elites were working in collaboration with security agencies and legal professionals to intimidate him.

In a statement titled “They Want to Silence Me,” Farotimi disclosed that he received a police invitation on November 11, requesting him to appear at Zone 2 Command on November 13 at 10:00 AM.

Accompanied by his legal counsel, Farotimi arrived at the station at 9:45 AM on the appointed date. Upon his arrival, he was presented with the petition, which accused him of defamation.

Farotimi, describing the petition as baseless, addressed the allegations directly, maintaining his innocence and demanding a fair hearing.

The arrest of Farotimi has sparked a wave of condemnation, particularly from human rights advocates. Omoyele Sowore, a well-known activist, took to his X (formerly Twitter) handle to call for the immediate release of the lawyer.

Dele Farotimi Arrested

He criticized the Nigerian Police for allegedly being used as a tool for personal vendettas, emphasizing the need for the police to refrain from being involved in settling private disputes.

“It is essential that the Nigerian Police understand they cannot continue to be used to settle personal scores,” Sowore wrote. “We, the citizens, will no longer tolerate such a situation. Therefore, the Police at Zone 2 in Lagos are advised to release Barrister Farotimi immediately.”

Farotimi’s arrest has drawn attention to the ongoing challenges faced by human rights defenders in Nigeria, with many calling for greater protection and an end to the misuse of legal and security institutions.