Afenifere Demands Urgent Release Of Human Rights Activist Dele Farotimi

Afenifere Demands Urgent Release Of Human Rights Activist Dele FarotimiAfenifere, a prominent Southwest socio-cultural organization, has strongly condemned the arrest and detention of legal practitioner and human rights advocate, Dele Farotimi. The group’s condemnation follows reports that Farotimi was apprehended by operatives of the Nigerian Police Force at his Lagos office over alleged defamation.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a statement issued on Monday, signed by its Deputy Leader, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, and National Publicity Secretary, Justice Faloye, Afenifere described the arrest as unacceptable within a democratic society. The group noted that Ekiti State Police spokesperson, Sunday Abutu, had claimed the arrest stemmed from a petition accusing Farotimi of making defamatory remarks about Chief Afe Babalola, SAN, in his latest publication.

Afenifere, however, argued that the allegations were insufficient to justify what it called a “Gestapo-style” arrest, emphasizing that defamation is not a criminal offense under Nigerian law. “This action is an affront to democratic principles. We demand his immediate release or his arraignment before a competent court,” the statement read. The group reiterated that Farotimi, like any citizen, is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The organization also expressed concern over possible efforts to extend Farotimi’s detention, citing speculation that the police might seek to hold him for up to 30 days under questionable pretexts. “There are fears that legal loopholes will be exploited to keep him incarcerated,” Afenifere said.

Afenifere urged Nigerians and democracy advocates to stand against what it described as “repeatedly crude and uncivilized methods” by law enforcement. “These actions resemble those of criminal gangs, showing blatant disregard for the rights of citizens,” the group concluded.

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