Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has condemned the arrest of human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi, over alleged criminal libel, describing it as illegal. Farotimi’s arrest, which took place in Lagos on Tuesday, was disclosed by Omoyele Sowore, the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, in a post on his X handle.
In a statement issued shortly after, Falana criticized the arrest and demanded Farotimi’s unconditional release, asserting that Lagos State had decriminalized defamation over a decade ago.
“Lagos State is among the two states in Nigeria that have decriminalized defamation in its entirety,” Falana said. He referenced a 2021 Supreme Court ruling in the case of Aviomoh v Commissioner of Police & Anor., where Justice Helen Ogunwumiju affirmed that defamation was removed from Lagos’ criminal law in 2011.
Falana argued that the arrest contravened the legal position established by the court, adding, “In demanding Mr. Farotimi’s unconditional release from illegal custody, I wish to state, without any fear of contradiction, that the current state of the law prohibits such actions.”
The arrest has sparked widespread reactions from human rights activists and legal practitioners, who view it as a potential violation of Farotimi’s rights.
Farotimi, known for his outspoken views and activism, has long been a vocal advocate for justice and good governance in Nigeria. His detention has added to ongoing discussions about the balance between free speech and legal boundaries in the country.
As of the time of this report, there has been no official statement from the Lagos State Police Command regarding the arrest or the allegations of libel. Observers are closely monitoring developments as calls for Farotimi’s release continue to grow.