NBA has condemned Dele Farotimi’s arrest by the Nigerian Police.
Newsone Nigeria reports that the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, has strongly condemned the arrest of a lawyer, Dele Farotimi, by the Nigeria Police Force over allegations bordering on libel.
On Tuesday night in Abuja, a statement by the NBA President, Afam Osigwe, lamented the alleged invasion of Farotimi’s law firm and the harassment of lawyers and staff within the premises.
Osigwe described the Nigeria police’s action as a troubling breach of the rule of law and the sanctity of the legal profession.
The NBA President said while the Nigeria Police Force had the authority to investigate crimes, such power must be exercised within the confines of the law and in respect of offences recognised under Nigerian law.
“We must reiterate that the alleged offence of libel, for which Dele Farotimi was reportedly arrested, is not recognised as a criminal offense under the laws of Lagos State.
“The Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011 repealed the criminalisation of defamation by omitting it from its provisions.
“This progressive legislative move aligns with global best practices, which treat defamation as a civil wrong rather than a criminal offence,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Newsone recalls that the Nigeria police arrested Farotimi over a defamation petition by senior lawyer Afe Babalola.
He was allegedly picked up from his residence in Lagos and whisked to Ado, the Ekiti State capital, where he is currently being questioned.
Dele Farotimi’s arrest has been attracting condemnation from many prominent Nigerians with #FreeDeleFarotimiNow currently trending on the micro-blogging site, X formerly known as Twitter.
