The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly criticized the arrest of lawyer Dele Farotimi by the Nigeria Police Force over allegations of libel.
In a statement issued Tuesday night in Abuja, NBA President Afam Osigwe decried the reported invasion of Farotimi’s law firm, as well as the harassment of lawyers and staff on the premises.
Osigwe described the actions of the police as a grave violation of the rule of law and an affront to the legal profession. While acknowledging the police’s authority to investigate crimes, he emphasized that such powers must be exercised lawfully and only in connection with recognized offences under Nigerian law.
“We must reiterate that the alleged offence of libel, for which Dele Farotimi was reportedly arrested, is not recognized as a criminal offence under the laws of Lagos State.
“The Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011 repealed the criminalization of defamation by omitting it from its provisions. This progressive legislative move aligns with global best practices, which classify defamation as a civil wrong rather than a criminal offence,” Osigwe stated.
Reports indicate that Farotimi was arrested for allegedly defaming Tony Elumelu, Chairman of the United Bank for Africa Group. He was reportedly taken from his residence in Lagos and transported to Ado-Ekiti, where he is currently being questioned.
The arrest has drawn widespread condemnation from prominent Nigerians and sparked calls for respect for the rule of law.
