The arrest of human rights advocate Dele Farotimi by operatives of the Ekiti State Police Command highlights serious concerns about the misuse of law enforcement powers and the violation of constitutional rights.
Development Diaries reports that a Chief Magistrate’s Court in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, has remanded Farotimi over alleged defamation of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and founder of Afe Babalola University Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), Afe Babalola.
It must be noted that Farotimi was arrested in Lagos by operatives of the Ekiti State Police Command without prior notification to the Lagos State Police Command or the Zone Two Command.
The action of the police and the circumstances of his apprehension suggest a violation of due process.
The reported ‘abduction’ from his Lagos office, rather than a transparent legal process, undermines trust in the police and shows the consistent occurrence of law enforcement being weaponised by influential individuals to suppress dissent or settle personal grievances.
This incident exemplifies a disturbing pattern in Nigeria where state institutions are used to intimidate outspoken citizens.
Defamation is a civil matter, and the Nigerian constitution and legal framework provide remedies that do not involve arrest or detention. In a case of defamation, a victim may file a lawsuit claiming damages for harm caused to their reputation, not arresting the person.
By facilitating such condemnable actions, the police have blurred the lines between maintaining law and order and serving the interests of the powerful.
It must be noted that this misuse of public institutions erodes public trust in the police and also violates the fundamental rights guaranteed to every citizen.
Furthermore, the arrest of an activist as vocal and prominent as Farotimi raises this question: what becomes of ordinary Nigerians without platforms or resources to defend themselves?
If a well-known lawyer and advocate can be subjected to such treatment, it conveys a terrifying message to the average person, suggesting that justice and protection under the law may only be available to those with influence or connections.
Additonally, this case reflects poorly on Nigeria’s commitment to democracy and human rights.
Development Diaries calls on President Bola Tinubu to urgently address this abuse of power and ensure his administration upholds the rule of law as he promised.
We also call on the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to stop this terrible abuse of a public institution like the Nigeria Police Force.
Photo source: Dele Farotimi
