[Press Release] It is unjust, and it’s against the principle of natural justice for the Nigerian Police to invade and arrest human rights activist, Dele Farotimi, on a mere defamatory allegation that has not been proved.
Defamation is no longer a classified criminal law. The issue can be resolved without necessarily intimidating the other party with unnecessary show of power by invading his office to effect his arrest.
The police action on Dele Farotimi is oppressive and a misuse of power, and it constitutes a breach of the lawyer’s fundamental rights.
Defamation is no longer a criminal offence in Lagos state. The law has since been decriminalised in Lagos in 2011.
The Police legal department failed in its duty to do a thorough job to advise its operational agents on the position of law in the state to stave off Dele’s arrest.
With this breach, I hereby demand an unconditional release of Mr. Farotimi without further delay from the police custody.
Lanre Ogundipe
Former President
Nigeria/African Union of Journalists
Stay ahead with the latest updates! Join The ConclaveNG on WhatsApp and Telegram for real-time news alerts, breaking stories, and exclusive content delivered straight to your phone. Don’t miss a headline — subscribe now!
