The Traffic

Legal Uproar: NBA Blasts Police Over Lawyer Dele Farotimi’s Arrest and Office Invasion"

By Achimi Muktar

The arrest of Lagos-based lawyer and rights advocate Dele Farotimi by the Nigeria Police Force has sparked outrage, with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) describing the act as a gross violation of the rule of law. The NBA also condemned the reported invasion of Farotimi’s law firm and harassment of his staff, demanding his immediate release and an investigation into the troubling events.

NBA Stands Firm Against Arrest

In a statement released Tuesday night by its President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), the NBA criticized the police for arresting Farotimi over allegations of libel, which, according to the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011, is no longer recognized as a criminal offense in the state.

“The alleged offense of libel, for which Dele Farotimi was reportedly arrested, is not a criminal offense under the laws of Lagos State,” the statement read. The NBA cited a 2021 Supreme Court decision affirming that defamation is treated as a civil matter in Lagos, aligning with global best practices.

The NBA further lambasted the police for the invasion of Farotimi’s law office, describing it as a “troubling breach of the rule of law and the sanctity of the legal profession.” The association demanded a thorough investigation into the incident, with those responsible held accountable.

The Allegations Against Farotimi

Farotimi’s arrest reportedly stems from a petition by legal icon Afe Babalola, accusing him of defamation. The allegations are linked to Farotimi’s book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System, where he detailed his experiences with Nigeria’s legal system, including a past case involving Babalola.

According to Ekiti State Police spokesperson Sunday Abutu, Farotimi was arrested in Lagos on Tuesday after failing to honor prior invitations for questioning. “He was arrested with a warrant and is currently in custody. He will be arraigned as soon as investigations are concluded,” Abutu said.

Outrage from Civil Society and Legal Experts

Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong revealed that Farotimi had briefed him about alleged attempts to use the police to intimidate him. Effiong described the situation as a misuse of power by influential individuals attempting to silence dissent.

“Very highly placed individuals in government have shown sinister interest in this case and are trying to deal with him,” Effiong said.

Farotimi himself had expressed concerns about his safety and the legality of police actions. In a statement shared on his social media, he revealed that he had previously honored a police invitation and secured bail but was later targeted through what he described as coercive and deceptive tactics.

Calls for Immediate Action

Omoyele Sowore, presidential candidate of the African Action Congress in the 2023 elections, joined the NBA in condemning the arrest. Sowore described the case as an abuse of police power and called for Farotimi’s immediate release.

“It is unacceptable for the Nigerian police to be used as a tool for settling personal scores. This is a clear case of misuse of public institutions to pursue private interests,” Sowore said in a tweet.

He also demanded that the police grant Farotimi access to his family and legal representation, emphasizing that the force’s primary duty is to serve the public interest.

What’s Next?

As the case unfolds, the spotlight remains on the police and their handling of the matter. The NBA has reiterated the need for law enforcement agencies to uphold legality, fairness, and human rights, warning that breaches like this erode public trust in Nigeria’s justice system.

For many, Farotimi’s ordeal has become a rallying point in the fight against the misuse of state institutions to suppress freedom of speech and dissenting voices. Whether justice will prevail remains to be seen, but the legal community and civil society are watching closely.