Dele Farotimi Arrested by Lagos Zone 2 Command Over Defamation Petition: Human Rights Lawyer Sparks Outrage

Dele Farotimi Arrested by Lagos Zone 2 Command Over Defamation Allegations

Human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi was arrested by officers from the Lagos Zone 2 Command following a defamation petition filed by a complainant. According to sources, the petition alleges that Farotimi made defamatory statements about the complainant during a public forum.

Dele Farotimi arrest

Prior to his arrest, Farotimi had expressed concerns about potential threats to his life. He accused Nigerian elites of working with security agencies and legal practitioners to intimidate him. In his statement titled “They Want to Silence Me”, Farotimi recounted how he received a police invitation on November 11, requesting his presence at Zone 2 Command on November 13 at 10:00 AM. Farotimi, accompanied by his legal counsel, arrived at the station at 9:45 AM on the specified date.

Upon arrival, Farotimi was presented with the defamation petition written by a lawyer. Although Farotimi found the petition unfounded, he stated that he addressed its content. “Despite the baseless nature of the petition, I responded accordingly,” Farotimi explained.

The arrest has sparked widespread condemnation, particularly from human rights activists. Prominent activist Omoyele Sowore has called for Farotimi’s immediate release. Sowore, in a statement shared on his X (formerly Twitter) account, criticized the Nigerian Police for allegedly using their authority to settle personal scores. He emphasized, “It is crucial that the Nigerian Police understand they cannot continue to serve as a tool for personal grievances.”

This arrest has raised concerns about the misuse of law enforcement for personal and political motives in Nigeria, drawing attention to the growing risks faced by human rights advocates in the country.