By Abidemi Samuel
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Femi Falana, a renowned human rights lawyer, has condemned the arrest of Dele Farotimi, a lawyer and activist, over alleged criminal libel. Falana demands Farotimi’s unconditional release from what he describes as “illegal custody”.
According to Falana, Farotimi was arrested in Lagos State on Tuesday, despite the state being one of the two in Nigeria that have entirely decriminalized defamation. Falana cited the Supreme Court of Nigeria’s ruling in the case of Aviomoh v Commissioner of Police & Anor. (2021), which confirmed that defamation was decriminalized in the Criminal Law of Lagos in 2011 and the Edo State Criminal Law Bill 2020.
Falana’s statement emphasizes the need for the immediate release of Farotimi, highlighting the illegality of his arrest and detention. The human rights lawyer’s intervention has sparked concerns about the state of freedom of expression and the rule of law in Nigeria.
The arrest of Dele Farotimi has also raised questions about the motivations behind his detention. Was it a genuine attempt to enforce the law, or was it a move to silence a vocal critic? As the situation unfolds, one thing is clear: the Nigerian authorities must ensure that Farotimi’s rights are respected and that justice is served.
In a country where freedom of expression is guaranteed by the constitution, the arrest of Dele Farotimi for alleged criminal libel is a worrying trend. It highlights the need for continued vigilance and advocacy to protect the rights of citizens and ensure that the rule of law is upheld.
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