The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly condemned the arrest of human rights activist and lawyer, Dele Farotimi, on allegations of libel.
The NBA also denounced the reported invasion of Farotimi’s law firm and the harassment of lawyers and staff within the premises.
The NBA, in a statement signed by Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, President of the Nigerian Bar Association, and obtained by Truth Live News, described the arrest as unlawful, stressing that libel is not recognized as a criminal offense under the laws of Lagos State.
According to the NBA, the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011 repealed the criminalization of defamation, aligning with global best practices that treat defamation as a civil wrong rather than a criminal offense.
The NBA equally cited the Supreme Court’s ruling in Aviomoh v. Commissioner of Police & Anor (2021), which held that defamation ceased to be a criminal offense in Lagos State following the enactment of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011.
The association demanded the immediate release of Dele Farotimi and called for a swift investigation into the invasion of his law firm.
The NBA also urged law enforcement agencies to prioritize the principles of legality, fairness, and respect for human rights in their operations.