Kehinde Fajobi
Associates of detained human rights lawyer and author, Dele Farotimi, have called for his immediate release, alleging gross violations of his rights.
In a statement issued by Taiwo Akinlami on their behalf, the group expressed concern over what they described as a disregard for procedural fairness and the rule of law in Farotimi’s arrest and detention.
“We, the associates of Mr. Dele Farotimi, a distinguished author and legal practitioner, are deeply troubled by the blatant violations of his rights following his recent arrest and detention,” the statement read.
“This press release is issued to highlight the irregularities surrounding his case and to demand his fair treatment and prompt release in accordance with the law.”
Farotimi’s legal troubles stem from defamation claims linked to his book, Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System.
The statement revealed that despite his cooperation with police invitations in November, the situation escalated on December 3, 2024, when officers raided his Lagos office, allegedly assaulting staff and confiscating phones before detaining him.
The group claimed that Farotimi was transported across multiple states, including Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, and Ekiti, in what they described as an irregular operation.
The Ekiti State Commissioner of Police later admitted that the lawyer was arrested for “criminal defamation,” an offense reportedly expunged from Lagos laws in 2011 and Ekiti laws in 2021.
The associates decried the impact of the arrest on Farotimi’s civil cases and his family, particularly his elderly mother, who recently lost another child.
They condemned what they termed the misuse of state resources to settle personal scores.
The group made three key demands:
- The immediate release of Farotimi on bail.
- An investigation into the alleged irregularities in his arrest and detention.
- Adherence to due process and fair trial principles.
“This case is a test of the integrity of Nigeria’s justice system,” they concluded, urging individuals and organizations committed to justice to join the call for Farotimi’s freedom.
The statement emphasised the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice without prejudice.