The Nigeria Police Force has reportedly arrested human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi on allegations of defaming Tony Elumelu, the Group Chairman of the United Bank for Africa (UBA).
Omoyele Sowore, a former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) and a prominent advocate for good governance, disclosed the incident on X (formerly Twitter).
“I just learned that Dele Farotimi was arrested by the Nigerian Police over a petition by Tony Elumelu of UBA Group alleging Dele defamed him. It is pertinent that the Nigerian police are notified that the institution cannot continue to be used to settle personal scores, 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 Dele Farotimi immediately,” Sowore stated.
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Farotimi, known for his outspoken criticism of government officials and his advocacy for citizens’ welfare, has previously faced similar challenges. In November, he told journalists about attempts by the police to abduct him, shortly after receiving an invitation letter from the Zone 2 Police Command in Lagos on November 11.
When Farotimi honored the invitation on November 13, the police presented him with a petition accusing him of defamation. The petition was filed by a lawyer representing Elumelu.
Farotimi’s case has revived concerns about the misuse of police authority in Nigeria, particularly regarding arrests and detentions perceived as targeting critics and journalists.
