Human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi was arrested on Tuesday by officers from the Zone 2 Command in Lagos following a defamation petition filed against him by an unidentified complainant.
The petition alleges that Farotimi made defamatory remarks about the complainant during a public forum, a charge that has raised concerns of possible legal intimidation.
According to sources, the petition, which led to the lawyer’s arrest, claims that Farotimi’s statements were damaging to the complainant’s reputation.
Farotimi, known for his outspoken views on human rights and governance, has previously voiced his concerns about threats to his life, alleging that certain Nigerian elites, in collaboration with security agencies and legal practitioners, were attempting to silence him.
Farotimi had earlier received a police invitation on November 11, instructing him to appear at the Zone 2 Command on November 13.
Accompanied by his legal team, Farotimi arrived at the station on time, only to be presented with the defamation petition.
Although Farotimi dismissed the accusations as baseless, he responded to the contents of the petition as required.
In a statement titled “They Want to Silence Me,” Farotimi detailed his experience, describing the situation as a continuation of attempts to intimidate him.
“Despite finding the petition baseless, I addressed its content,” he said, emphasizing the larger issue of political and legal harassment that he believes is aimed at stifling his advocacy.
The arrest of the prominent lawyer has sparked outrage, particularly among human rights defenders and activists.
Omoyele Sowore, a prominent figure in Nigerian activism, condemned the arrest and called for Farotimi’s immediate release.
Taking to social media, Sowore criticized the police for allegedly being used as a tool to settle personal scores, a sentiment echoed by other civil society groups.
“It is pertinent that the Nigerian Police are notified that the institution cannot continue to be used to settle personal scores,” Sowore said in his statement.
“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.”
The arrest has raised questions about the increasing use of legal mechanisms to target critics and opposition figures in Nigeria. Farotimi, a staunch advocate for human rights, has frequently spoken out against the government and the power structures in the country.
His arrest is seen by many as an attempt to silence one of the most vocal critics of the status quo.
As the controversy continues to unfold, many are calling for greater protections for individuals who speak out against corruption and injustice in the country.
With Farotimi’s legal team pledging to fight the charges, the case has now become a focal point for broader discussions on freedom of speech, judicial independence, and the role of the police in safeguarding or undermining these rights.
The legal community and human rights advocates are watching closely, as the outcome of this case may have significant implications for the future of civil liberties in Nigeria.