Falana Slams Police, Demands Immediate Release Of Dele Farotimi
Renowned human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has called for the immediate release of lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi, who was arrested and detained by the Nigerian police.
Falana criticized the detention as illegal, pointing out that Lagos State has decriminalized defamation, the alleged basis for the arrest.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Falana stated, “Without any fear of contradiction, Lagos State is among the two states in Nigeria that have decriminalised defamation in its entirety.”
Osun Defender reported that Farotimi was arrested in Lagos following a raid on his residence and subsequently transported to Ekiti State by the police.
The arrest was reportedly tied to allegations of cybercrime based on a petition by Chief Afe Babalola, SAN.
READ ALSO: Human Rights Lawyer, Dele Farotimi In Police Net
Falana said, “I just confirmed that Mr. Dele Farotimi was arrested in Lagos today (Tuesday) for alleged criminal libel.
“In demanding for Mr. Farotimi’s unconditionally release from illegal custody, I wish to state, without any fear of contradiction, that Lagos State is among the two states in Nigeria that have decriminalised defamation in its entirety.
“In fact, the current state of the law was confirmed by the Supreme Court of Nigeria in the case of Aviomoh v Commissioner of Police & Anor. (2021) LPELR-55203(SC) when Helen Ogunwumiju JSC held that ‘Defamation was decriminalised in the Criminal Law of Lagos in 2011 and Edo State Criminal Law Bill 2020.’ “
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
