The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned the arrest of human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi over allegations of libel, describing it as unlawful and a breach of the rule of law.
NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN), highlighted that libel is no longer a criminal offence under the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011, a position upheld by the Supreme Court. He criticized the Nigerian Police Force for acting outside the law by arresting Farotimi and invading his law firm, where staff and lawyers were reportedly harassed, and personal devices were seized.
The NBA has demanded Farotimi’s immediate release and called for an investigation into the incident, emphasizing the importance of respecting legal boundaries, human rights, and the independence of the legal profession.
