Dele Farotimi, a prominent Peter Obi supporter and activist, has been arrested for alleged criminal libel. Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has condemned the arrest, calling it unlawful and citing a Supreme Court ruling decriminalizing defamation in Lagos.
Dele Farotimi, a prominent supporter of Peter Obi during the last presidential election and a vocal human rights activist, has been arrested in Lagos for alleged criminal libel. His detention has sparked widespread concern, especially among political and human rights circles.
Renowned human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) confirmed Farotimi’s arrest on Tuesday, condemning it as unlawful. In a statement issued shortly after, Falana demanded Farotimi’s unconditional release, emphasizing that Lagos State had decriminalized defamation over a decade ago.
Falana referenced a landmark Supreme Court judgment in the case of Aviomoh v Commissioner of Police & Anor. (2021), which reinforced the decriminalization of defamation. “Lagos State decriminalised defamation in 2011, and this was further upheld by the Supreme Court. Arresting Farotimi under criminal libel charges is not only unlawful but a violation of established legal precedent,” Falana stated.
He also pointed out that Edo State followed suit in 2020, further demonstrating a trend toward decriminalizing defamation in Nigeria. Falana stressed that the arrest appears to be an abuse of power and urged the authorities to respect the rule of law.
Farotimi’s arrest has sparked outrage across various sectors, with many linking it to his unwavering support for Peter Obi and his vocal criticism of political elites. Supporters argue that the arrest is politically motivated and aimed at silencing dissenting voices.
