The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly condemned the arrest of prominent lawyer and rights advocate Dele Farotimi by the Nigeria Police Force, describing the detention as a significant breach of legal protocols.
The Explainer learned, the arrest stems from a petition filed by renowned lawyer Afe Babalola, who accused Farotimi of defamation related to his recently published book, “Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System.” Farotimi’s book reportedly contained narrative passages that characterized Babalola in a manner deemed objectionable.
Ekiti State Police Command spokesperson Sunday Abutu confirmed Farotimi’s arrest, stating that he was detained in Lagos with a formal warrant after multiple attempts to bring him for interrogation had failed.
“He is currently in custody and will be arraigned as soon as investigation is concluded,” Abutu declared.
The NBA, through its President Afam Osigwe, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, vehemently criticized the arrest.
“These actions constitute a troubling breach of the rule of law and the sanctity of the legal profession,” the association emphasized in a statement issued Tuesday night.
The association particularly highlighted that Farotimi was arrested in Lagos, where libel is not considered a criminal offense, rendering the detention legally questionable.
Moreover, the NBA condemned the reported invasion of Farotimi’s law firm and the harassment of his legal staff.
Prominent activist Omoyele Sowore publicly denounced the arrest, calling on the Nigerian Police Force to release Farotimi immediately
“The institution cannot continue to be used to settle personal scores,” Sowore wrote on social media platform X, urging the police to grant Farotimi access to his family and legal representatives.
Lawyer Inibehe Effiong provided additional context, revealing that Farotimi had previously briefed him about potential police action following Babalola’s petition. Effiong noted that Farotimi’s book contained personal experiences with Nigeria’s justice system, including a case involving Babalola.
“Based on what he told me, very highly placed individuals in the government have shown sinister interest in the case and are trying to deal with him,” Effiong stated, expressing concerns about Farotimi’s current circumstances.
