Human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi arrested over defamation allegations by Tony Elumelu

The Nigeria Police Force has reportedly arrested Dele Farotimi, a well-known human rights lawyer and activist.

The news was shared on Tuesday by Omoyele Sowore, former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) and a vocal advocate for good governance, through a post on X (formerly Twitter).

Sowore wrote: “I just received information that Dele Farotimi was arrested by the Nigerian Police following a petition by Tony Elumelu of UBA Group, alleging defamation. It’s important for the Nigerian police to understand that the force cannot be used as a tool for settling personal disputes. We, the citizens, will no longer tolerate such misuse of power. I call on Zone 2 Police in Lagos to release Barrister Dele Farotimi immediately.”

Farotimi, known for his outspoken criticism of government policies and advocacy for social justice, had earlier raised concerns about efforts to detain him. He revealed that he received a summons from the Zone 2 Police Command in Lagos on November 11, asking him to report on November 13.

Upon his appearance, he was confronted with a defamation petition reportedly filed by a lawyer representing Tony Elumelu, the Chairman of UBA Group.

Farotimi’s arrest adds to a growing list of incidents where Nigerian security agencies have been accused of targeting activists, journalists, and critics.

In May, journalist Daniel Ojukwu of FIJ was abducted and held for ten days, sparking public outrage before his eventual release. In another case from December 2023, police in Enugu unlawfully detained Ben-Kingsley Nwashara, a single father, leaving his young daughter unattended. He was only released after widespread media attention.

These developments have fueled concerns about the misuse of state security forces, raising serious questions about freedom of expression, human rights, and the rule of law in Nigeria.