Human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi was arrested by the Nigeria Police Force at Zone 2 Command in Lagos following a defamation petition filed by Tony Elumelu, Chairman of the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Group.
Farotimi had previously raised concerns about alleged threats to his life by influential figures within Nigerian elite circles, purportedly in collaboration with security agencies and legal professionals.
Farotimi received an invitation to report to Zone 2 Command on November 13, 2024, and complied with the directive. Upon his arrival, he was presented with the petition accusing him of making defamatory statements against Elumelu. Farotimi described the accusations as baseless but addressed them formally during his visit to the police station.
The arrest has drawn widespread criticism, including from Nigerian activist and politician Omoyele Sowore, who took to social media to demand Farotimi’s immediate and unconditional release. Sowore emphasized that the Nigerian police should not be used to settle personal scores.
Farotimi had also alleged that the police were using deceptive methods to lure him into custody, despite his willingness to honor the invitation.
He claimed that the police’s actions were in response to a petition reportedly filed by Afe Babalola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).
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