The Nigerian Police have arrested human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi following defamation petition filed by a complainant.
Farotimi, perhaps the most vocal critic of corrupt government officials and fighter for the oppressed masses in Nigeria, had previously disclosed to journalists that the police were planning to abduct him in November, days after he got an invitation letter from the Zone 2 Police Command in Lagos on November 11.
The police had asked him to report to the station on November 13.
According to Farotimi, the police showed him a petition accusing him of defamation when he arrived at the station.
The petition was reportedly written by a lawyer on behalf of Tony Elumelu, the Chairman of UBA Group.
His arrest has sparked widespread outragee, with prominent human rights activists calling for his immediate and unconditional release.
Social Justice crusader Omoyele Sowore slammed 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 on X.
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