The Ekiti State Police Command is under heavy criticism for the controversial arrest of prominent lawyer and activist, Dele Farotimi, in Lagos, allegedly in violation of legal procedures.
Farotimi was arrested on Tuesday in Lagos by officers from the Ekiti command, bypassing Lagos State Police Command, the Zone 2 Command, and established inter-state arrest protocols. Reports described the arrest as being conducted in a “gestapo-style,” with Farotimi transported by road to Ekiti State without the case being logged or local authorities informed.
The Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, condemned the arrest, calling it a misuse of police powers. In a statement, Obi said:
> “This action is a gross misuse of police powers and a grave assault on the principles of democracy and justice in Nigeria. I condemn this action in totality. It represents an attempt to intimidate opposing voices… and raises serious concerns about the independence and professionalism of the police.”
Obi further emphasized that defamation, which was cited as the basis for the arrest, is a civil matter and urged the police to release Farotimi unconditionally. He warned against the misuse of law enforcement for personal grievances.
Activist and politician Omoyele Sowore also denounced the arrest. Confirming the incident on X (formerly Twitter), Sowore revealed that the Ekiti Commissioner of Police, Kunle Akinwale, admitted to the arrest. Sowore alleged that a businessman and lawyer were behind Farotimi’s ordeal.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) also criticized the arrest, describing it as a violation of the rule of law. NBA President Afam Osigwe (SAN) noted that defamation is not a criminal offense under Lagos State law, citing the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011 and a 2021 Supreme Court ruling.
> “Arresting individuals for non-criminal matters, such as defamation in Lagos State, is not only unlawful but a blatant violation of the principles of legality and the rule of law,” Osigwe stated.
Meanwhile, Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 2 Command, Adegoke Fayoade, and Lagos State Police Commissioner, Olanrewaju Ishola, denied involvement in the arrest. Fayoade disclosed that Farotimi had previously been invited over a petition filed by businessman Tony Elumelu but was released after the meeting.
The incident has sparked outrage, with critics questioning the professionalism of the police and the disregard for legal procedures. Calls for Farotimi’s immediate release continue to grow.
