The Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, has condemned in strong terms the arrest of a lawyer, Dele Farotimi, by the Nigeria Police Force over allegations bordering on libel.
A statement by the NBA President, Afam Osigwe, on Tuesday night in Abuja, lamented the alleged invasion of Farotimi’s law firm and the harassment of lawyers and staff within the premises.
Osigwe described the action of the Nigeria police as a troubling breach of the rule of law and the sanctity of the legal profession.
He said while the Nigeria Police Force had the authority to investigate crimes, such power must be exercised within the confines of the law and in respect of offences recognised under Nigerian law.
“We must reiterate that the alleged offence of libel, for which Dele Farotimi was reportedly arrested, is not recognised as a criminal offense under the laws of Lagos State.
“The Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011 repealed the criminalisation of defamation by omitting it from its provisions.
“This progressive legislative move aligns with global best practices, which treat defamation as a civil wrong rather than a criminal offence,” he stated.
Recall that the Nigeria police arrested Farotimi for allegedly defaming the Chairman of the United Bank for Africa Group, Tony Elumelu.
He was allegedly picked up from his residence in Lagos and whisked to Ado, the Ekiti State capital, where he is currently being questioned.
His arrest has been attracting condemnation from many prominent Nigerians.
