The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly criticised the arrest of lawyer Dele Farotimi by the Nigeria Police Force over alleged libel charges.
In a statement issued on Tuesday night in Abuja, NBA President Afam Osigwe condemned the reported invasion of Farotimi’s law firm and the alleged harassment of his staff and colleagues.
Osigwe described the police actions as a significant violation of legal principles and an attack on the sanctity of the legal profession.
While acknowledging the police’s authority to investigate crimes, Osigwe emphasised that such powers must be exercised within legal boundaries and pertain to 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“The Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011 repealed the criminalisation of defamation by omitting it from its provisions.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,” Osigwe stated.
Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, had disclosed that Human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi, was arrested over an alleged criminal libel.
Bellnews reports that Falana, in a statement on Tuesday, revealed that Farotimi was arrested in Lagos State.
He was allegedly detained at his Lagos residence before being taken to Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, for questioning.
Farotimi’s arrest has drawn widespread condemnation from notable Nigerians, with many decrying the move as a misuse of power.