LAGOS, Nigeria – Lawyer and political activist Dele Farotimi was arrested on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, in Lagos over a defamation complaint filed by senior lawyer Afe Babalola.
The arrest has sparked widespread criticism, with rights activists condemning the police’s handling of the case as a misuse of authority.
Farotimi, known for his outspoken advocacy for citizens’ rights and his criticism of powerful figures in Nigerian society, was detained and transported to Ekiti State shortly after his arrest.
Ekiti is home to Babalola, a prominent businessman and the largest private employer in the region, where he wields significant influence.
Arrest and Allegations
The defamation allegations stem from statements made by Farotimi that reportedly targeted Babalola.
However, the exact content of the complaint remains unclear.
The police have not released a copy of the petition despite requests from The Trent and other media outlets.
Hours before his arrest, Farotimi took to social media, stating that he was being sought by the police over complaints from both Afe Babalola and Tony Elumelu, chairman of the United Bank for Africa (UBA).
A spokesperson for UBA later confirmed that Elumelu’s complaint was not pursued, with the arrest appearing to prioritise Babalola’s petition.
Public Outcry and Criticism
Farotimi’s arrest has drawn sharp rebukes from fellow activists, including Deji Adeyanju and Inibehe Effiong, who criticised the police for using force to handle defamation complaints.
Effiong described the arrest as “an alarming misuse of police resources in a country that claims to uphold freedom of speech.”
Critics pointed to the repeal of Nigeria’s controversial cyberstalking law in 2023, which had previously been used to criminalise speech.
They argue that defamation should be addressed through civil litigation rather than criminal proceedings.
The Nigerian Constitution guarantees the fundamental right to free speech, a principle activists say is being undermined by such arrests.
Lack of Response from Afe Babalola
Babalola, who is both a senior lawyer and a prominent figure in Nigerian business, did not immediately respond to requests for comment about the arrest.
His significant influence in Ekiti State has led some observers to question whether the legal process was skewed in his favour.
Concerns Over Police Priorities
The decision to prioritise Babalola’s complaint over other pending matters, including Farotimi’s allegations of threats to his life, has raised concerns about the impartiality of law enforcement.
The police’s swift action in transferring Farotimi to Ekiti has further fuelled suspicions of undue influence.
Rights groups have urged the police to respect constitutional protections and avoid being used as a tool to intimidate or silence critics.
“The use of police for personal grievances erodes trust in law enforcement and undermines Nigeria’s democracy,” Adeyanju said.
A Broader Pattern
Farotimi’s arrest is the latest in a series of incidents highlighting tensions between outspoken activists and Nigeria’s powerful elite.
Advocacy groups have repeatedly criticised the use of police to enforce civil matters, warning that it sets a dangerous precedent for the suppression of dissent.
As public outcry grows, all eyes are on the Nigerian authorities to see whether the case will be handled transparently and in accordance with the rule of law.
Farotimi’s supporters, meanwhile, continue to call for his immediate release and for an end to what they view as a troubling pattern of political intimidation.
