Falana Explains Reason Behind Dele Farotimi’s Arrest, Calls For His Immediate Release

Falana Explains Reason Behind Dele Farotimi’s Arrest, Calls For His Immediate ReleaseSenior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has revealed that human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi was arrested over an alleged criminal libel. According to Naija News, Falana issued a statement on Tuesday, confirming that Farotimi was detained in Lagos State.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In his statement, Falana called for Farotimi’s unconditional release, describing his detention as “illegal.” He further emphasized that Lagos State has decriminalized defamation, making Farotimi’s arrest even more questionable.

“I have just confirmed that Mr. Dele Farotimi was arrested in Lagos today on the charge of alleged criminal libel,” Falana stated. “In demanding his immediate and unconditional release from illegal custody, I want to assert, without any fear of contradiction, that Lagos is one of two states in Nigeria where defamation has been completely decriminalized.”

Falana pointed to the 2021 Supreme Court ruling in the case of Aviomoh v. Commissioner of Police & Anor. (2021) LPELR-55203(SC), where Justice Helen Ogunwumiju affirmed that defamation was decriminalized in Lagos State under the Criminal Law of Lagos State (2011) and in the Edo State Criminal Law Bill (2020).

Meanwhile, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, also condemned Farotimi’s arrest. Obi, who had worked with Farotimi during his presidential campaign, described the arrest as a “gross misuse of police powers” and an attempt to silence opposing voices.

Obi further stated that the arrest was an act of intimidation against those who dare to challenge authority, adding, “The arrest of Dele Farotimi is an abuse of power and a direct attack on the right to free speech and expression.

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