Yoruba Council says the arrest of popular activist and lawyer, Dele Farotimi is an act of Professional rascality and violation of human rights.
The apex umbrella body for all Yoruba indigenous people globally is aghast and deeply concerned by Dele Farotimi’s unwarranted arrest on allegations of libel, wherein we laconically reiterate our stand on the holistic and indept investigation of Dele Farotimi’s allegations against his accusers.
We are not entirely oblivious to recognize the powers of the Nigerian Police Force to arrest and investigate crimes, however we firmly believe that such powers must be exercised within the confines of the rule of law and in respect of offenses known to law.
It is in this context that we oppose the arrest of Dele Farotimi on allegations of libel, which is not recognized as a criminal offense under the laws of Lagos State, and it is a trite principle of law libel are actionable upon verified written statements capable of ridiculing the victim before right thinking members of the society and are purely civil to say the least.
While we frowned at the gestapo militarised manner of arrest, we wish to consent that the IGP should order the CP Ekiti State to release Mr Dele Farotimi, while we demand full disclosure of the complainant and contents of thier petition that warranted the illicit conducts.
The Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011 repealed the criminalization of defamation by omitting it from its provisions. Previously, defamation was criminalized under the Criminal Code applicable in Southern Nigeria. However, Lagos State modernized its criminal law framework through the enactment of the 2011 law, aligning with global best practices that treat defamation as a civil wrong, not a criminal offense.
This position was emphatically affirmed by the Supreme Court in Aviomoh v. Commissioner of Police & Anor (2021), where Justice Helen Ogunwumiju held that defamation ceased to be a criminal offense in Lagos State following the enactment of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011.
Furthermore, the Nigerian Police Force derives its powers to arrest and investigate crimes under Sections 4 and 24 of the Police Act, 2020. These provisions mandate the Police to act only in respect of conduct that constitutes a criminal offense under Nigerian law. Arresting individuals for non-criminal matters, such as defamation in Lagos State, is a clear violation of these legal principles and an affront to the rule of law.
The leadership of the Yoruba Council Worldwide unequivocally demands the immediate release of Dele Farotimi and calls on the Nigerian Police Force to exercise its powers responsibly and strictly in accordance with the law.
We also urge all law enforcement agencies to prioritize respect for human rights and adherence to the principles of legality, as these are foundational to the administration of justice and the protection of citizens.
Thus, this is gross misuse of police powers and a threat to democratic principles in Nigeria.
He argued that defamation should be addressed through civil courts and not through the weaponization of law enforcement, adding that “This action is a grave assault on t
This action is a gross misuse of police powers and a grave assault on the principles of democracy and justice in Nigeria.
I condemn this action in totality. It represents not only an attempt to intimidate opposing voices from questioning authority .
It is also a worrying signal to every Nigerian who loves and values freedom of expression and dares to demand accountability and transparency.
The Nigeria Police Force exists to protect the rights of citizens, not to suppress them.
Defamation, by its nature, is a civil matter that should be addressed in court through due legal process in line with the dictates of the rule of law in a democracy.
Those who feel otherwise should seek redress through the proper legal channels, not by weaponizing the police or abusing their access to authority or state power.
The resort to police action, in this case, reeks of abuse of power and raises serious concerns about the independence and professionalism of the police as a civil force.
One of the law firm staff named Effiong confirmed the RRS INCRIBED SETS OF UNPROFESSIONAL POLICE OFFICERS threatened to shoot him if he doesn’t surrender his phone, while the female staff with palasa phone was brutally assaulted and beaten to stupor. This if all indication proved was motivated by a senior learned Silk though yet to see the petition will be total crudity and absurdity.
Is the alleged libel contained in the phone of staff and lawyers in the firm?
According to online reports witnessed by Barr Nwoke who narrated his and other staffs ordeals to News Central News Reporter, which is gross misuse of police and totalitarian personality, a gross Abere to say the least. No matter who the unknown petitioner is, this brutal action of the use of excessive police force is an attack on the legal profession, fundamental rights, best practice and social justice.
We affirm our demand that President Bola Tinubu should prevail on the Inspector General of Police, and further direct the Attorney General and Minister of Justice to take over investigation of the matter, for if nothing meaningful is done it will definitely mudslide the Presidency and the Federal Government’s lack of response.
Injustice anywhere is a threat to Justice everywhere…
Signed:
Aare Oladotun Hassan Esq, President, Yoruba Council Worldwide.
