The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly criticized the arrest of Dele Farotimi, a writer, lawyer, and rights advocate, by the Nigeria Police Force over allegations of libel.
In a statement issued Tuesday night by its President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), the NBA condemned the arrest in Lagos State, emphasizing that “libel is not a criminal offense.” The association also decried the reported invasion of Mr. Farotimi’s law firm and the harassment of lawyers and staff, describing these actions as a “troubling breach of the rule of law and the sanctity of the legal profession.”
The arrest stems from a petition filed by renowned lawyer Afe Babalola, accusing Mr. Farotimi of defamation based on characterizations made in his book, Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System.
According to Sunday Abutu, spokesperson for the Ekiti State Police Command, Mr. Farotimi is being investigated for defamation and cyberbullying. He was arrested in Lagos under a warrant after previous attempts to bring him in for interrogation reportedly failed.
The NBA’s condemnation has sparked renewed discussions on the criminalization of defamation and the protection of legal professionals in Nigeria.
