Nigerian human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi has reportedly been arrested by the Nigeria Police Force following allegations of defamation levelled against him by Tony Elumelu, Chairman of UBA Group.
According to sources, Farotimi’s arrest occurred on Tuesday in response to a petition filed by Elumelu.
Omoyele Sowore, a former presidential candidate for the African Action Congress (AAC), drew attention to the incident on his official X account.
Sowore criticized the police for being used to settle personal disputes and urged them to release Farotimi immediately.
Before his arrest, Farotimi had accused the police of planning to abduct him under the pretext of an invitation.
Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, he revealed that he had received an invitation from the Zone 2 police command in Lagos to address a petition against him.
He complied with the request, arriving at the station on November 13, 2024, with his lawyer. The petition, allegedly filed by Elumelu’s legal team, accused him of defamation.
Farotimi stated that despite addressing the accusations and meeting with senior police officials, he was granted bail on self-recognizance and instructed to return on November 21, 2024.
He later learned that the police had attempted to involve members of a church he had previously visited as a guest speaker to facilitate his arrest.
Farotimi also disclosed that two pastors from Realm of Glory International Churches had been coerced by officers to write statements and assist in luring him to the church.
The officers reportedly referenced another petition filed by senior lawyer Afe Babalola with the Ekiti State Police Command.
The pastors refused to comply, emphasizing they had no personal connection with Farotimi.
The incident has added to growing concerns about the misuse of law enforcement in Nigeria to intimidate critics, journalists, and legal professionals.
Previous cases, including the detention of journalist Daniel Ojukwu in May and the unlawful arrest of Ben-Kingsley Nwashara in December 2023, highlight a troubling pattern of police abuse.
Observers continue to call for reforms to prevent such actions and uphold the rule of law.
