Lanre Ogundipe, the former President of the Nigeria/African Union of Journalists, has called for the immediate and unconditional release of human rights activist Barrister Dele Farotimi from police custody. Ogundipe condemned the Nigerian Police’s recent actions, labeling the arrest as unjust and contrary to the principles of natural justice.
According to Ogundipe, the police’s decision to arrest Farotimi based on mere allegations of defamation is untenable. He pointed out that defamation has been decriminalized in Lagos State since 2011, and such matters can be resolved through civil means rather than through intimidation and the show of force.
“The police action against Dele Farotimi is oppressive and constitutes a blatant misuse of power,” Ogundipe stated. “It not only violates the fundamental rights of the lawyer but also reflects a significant failure within the police department’s legal unit to inform its operational agents of the current legal standards.”
Ogundipe emphasized that the pursuit of justice should not come at the cost of individual rights and urged the police to rectify this situation promptly.
“I hereby demand the immediate release of Mr. Farotimi from police custody without any further delay,” he concluded.
The call to action comes amid growing concerns over the treatment of human rights activists in Nigeria.
