Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has condemned the arrest and continued detention of lawyer and human rights advocate, Dele Farotimi by the Nigerian police force.
Atiku, in a personally signed press statement obtained by Theliberationnews described Farotimi’s arrest as a grim reminds of the dark days of the military dictatorship.
Recall Theliberationnews reported that he was arrested in Lagos upon a petition allegedly written by legal luminary, Chief Afe Babalola, SAN, accusing him (Farotimi) of criminal libel.
“I am made aware that Dele is being accused of defamation — an offense that, under normal circumstances, should not warrant the involvement of law enforcement. The Police’s intervention in such matters is nothing less than the use of a sledgehammer to swat a fly, an overreach of unimaginable proportions,” Atiku’a statement read in part.
According to him, “This alarming trend, particularly the recent abduction — or rather, the arrest — of Dele Farotimi, is emblematic of this administration’s insidious agenda to suffocate the fundamental right to free expression. The aim is clear: to intimidate and harass citizens, particularly those who oppose the regime and the press, thus paving the way for the establishment of a one-party state.”
The presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general election demanded the immediate release of Farotimi.
“Freedom of speech and association are not privileges but constitutionally enshrined rights. If anyone feels wronged by defamatory words, they are free to seek redress in the courts, not at the hands of the state’s enforcers. It is an appalling abuse of power to use the Police as a tool for personal vendettas. In 2019, I was defamed. I did not involve the Police to flex muscles and intimidate the defaming citizen, but I took the case to court where I am currently seeking reliefs for the injuries to my name and integrity. Therefore, I call for the immediate and unconditional release of Dele Farotimi,” the statement concluded.
