The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections Peter Obi,human has totally condemned the arrest of rights advocate, Dele Farotimi over a petition written by Mr. Afe Babalola, a Lagos-based lawyer
Babalola alleged that Farotimi defamed him.
Interestingly, Lagos State, where both the accused and accuser are based, is among the two states in Nigeria that have decriminalised defamation in its entirety.
The Supreme Court of Nigeria in the case of Aviomoh v Commissioner of Police & Anor. (2021) LPELR-55203(SC) also held that “Defamation was decriminalised in the Criminal Law of Lagos in 2011 and Edo State Criminal Law Bill 2020.”
In any case, Police spokesperson in Ekiti, Sunday Abutu confirmed that operatives arrested Farotimi.
His arrest has being widely condemned by Nigerians and other human rights activists.
Also faulting Farotimi’s arrest on his X handle, Obi described it as misuse of police powers and an assault on democratic liberties.
Obi said, “I just learned of the arrest of Dele Farotimi, a respected human rights lawyer and advocate, over an allegation of defamation. “This action is a gross misuse of police powers and a grave assault on the principles of democracy and justice in Nigeria. “I condemn this action in totality. It represents not only an attempt to intimidate opposing voices from questioning authority.
“It is also a worrying signal to every Nigerian who loves and values freedom of expression and dares to demand accountability and transparency.
“As a private citizen, former governor, and even today, I am frequently defamed, insulted, and lied about and against.
“Yet, I have never resorted to using the Nigerian police or filing reports to silence others.
“I hereby request that Dele Farotimi should be released immediately and unconditionally. The police must recognize that their allegiance is to the Constitution and the people of Nigeria, not to narrow interests at the behest of those in power. A new more Just and fair Nigeria is possible.”
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