Dele Farotimi Archives | Trendbrio.com

Pyrates condemn arrest, detention of Farotimi, demand immediate release

Prince Odutola3 weeks ago3 weeks ago06 mins

The National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity) has condemned the unjust arrest and subsequent detention in prison custody of human rights activist and lawyer Mr Dele Farotimi over an alleged case of defamation against the founder of Afe Babalola University, Aare Afe Babalola. The group described the Police and Judiciary’s actions as an abuse of the rule of law, saying such a posture is an aberration and brings to the fore the dark era of the military. An Ado-Ekiti Magistrate Court, presided over by Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun, on Wednesday remanded Farotimi in prison custody until December 10, 2024. In a statement titled, “Enough is Enough! This Harassment, Intimidation of Innocent Citizens Must Stop Now,” by the NAS Capn, Dr Joseph Oteri, the association said the invasion of his law firm and subsequent harassment of his staff is a clear abuse of their fundamental human rights as guaranteed in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Therefore, the association is demanding his unconditional release. It expressed concerns that these incidents underscore the deep-rooted flaws in Nigeria’s governance and law enforcement systems. The association said while Nigerians are still reeling from the shameful imprisonment and torture of minors for protesting against hunger, they were, again, confronted by another brazen disregard of the human rights activist. Ironically, the Pyrates Confraternity pointed out that the alleged offence of defamation, for which Farotimi was reportedly arrested, is a civil matter under Sections 373 and 375 of the Criminal Code. “Law enforcement must never be weaponised to target individuals or institutions for personal or political reasons. Upholding the rule of law is a non-negotiable cornerstone of any democratic society, and any deviation from this principle threatens the very fabric of justice and accountability,” it stated. The association argued that Farotimi’s persistent advocacy for justice and his documented outcries, including threats to his life and harassment of his associates, remain unresolved. NAS said instead of investigating these concerns and holding the culprits accountable, the Police again aligned with vested interests. “It is alarming that a civil matter has been distorted into a criminal issue, and the age-old bullying and intimidation tactics have once again been brandished and deployed, showcasing a blatant disregard for professional ethics, the Nigerian Constitution, and the principles of justice. “Such impunity erodes public trust in law enforcement and deepens the disconnect between the government and the people, especially in these delicate times,” the group added. The association, however, warned that this misuse of authority places undue pressure on the Judiciary and the Executive, raising serious questions about their commitment to upholding the rule of law and safeguarding public trust. “It is disheartening that the Nigerian Police repeatedly positions itself as a tool at the whims and caprices of the elites and powerful hegemony. “To stop this rising level of citizens’ harassment, the Pyrates Confraternity is calling on the Inspector General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, to take immediate corrective action and ensure accountability within law enforcement,” NAS said. Similarly, the association calls on the Executive to address these recurring lapses, while the Judiciary must reaffirm its mandate to uphold justice without fear or favour. The group said such measures are essential to prevent future misconduct and restore public confidence in the institutions entrusted with safeguarding our democracy. NAS insisted that the unjust arrests, bullying, and harassment, which have no place in a democratic setting, are not just stains on the rule of law but a renewed wake-up call for all arms of government to recommit to justice, accountability, and the protection of citizens’ rights.

NBA calls for immediate release of Dele Farotimi

Prince Odutola3 weeks ago3 weeks ago03 mins

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has been deeply concerned by the arrest of Dele Farotimi on allegations of libel. In a statement signed the President of NBA, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN urged the security agency to ensure restraints in the enforcement of the law. The statement reads; “While we recognize the powers of the Nigerian Police Force to arrest and investigate crimes, we firmly believe that such powers must be exercised within the confines of the law and in respect of offenses known to law. “It is in this context that we oppose the arrest of Dele Farotimi on allegations of libel, which is not recognized as a criminal offense under the laws of Lagos State. “The Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011 repealed the criminalization of defamation by omitting it from its provisions. “Previously, defamation was criminalized under the Criminal Code applicable in Southern Nigeria. However, Lagos State modernized its criminal law framework through the enactment of the 2011 law, aligning with global best practices that treat defamation as a civil wrong, not a criminal offense. “This position was emphatically affirmed by the Supreme Court in Aviomoh v. Commissioner of Police & Anor (2021), where Justice Helen Ogunwumiju held that defamation ceased to be a criminal offense in Lagos State following the enactment of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011. “Furthermore, the Nigerian Police Force derives its powers to arrest and investigate crimes under Sections 4 and 24 of the Police Act, 2020. These provisions mandate the Police to act only in respect of conduct that constitutes a criminal offense under Nigerian law. Arresting individuals for non-criminal matters, such as defamation in Lagos State, is a clear violation of these legal principles and an affront to the rule of law.” The NBA unequivocally demanded the immediate release of Dele Farotimi and calls on the Nigerian Police Force to exercise its powers responsibly and strictly in accordance with the law. “We also urge all law enforcement agencies to prioritize respect for human rights and adherence to the principles of legality, as these are foundational to the administration of justice and the protection of citizens.”

Sowore, Mr Macaroni shred Judiciary over Dele Farotimi’s detention

Prince Odutola3 weeks ago3 weeks ago04 mins

Frontline Human Rights activist and former Presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore has slammed the Nigerian judiciary for hurriedly prosecuting Dele Farotimi. A High Court sitting in Ekiti on Wednesday remanded Barrister Farotimi following the alleged defamation of Chief Afe Babalola in his book; Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System. Reacting to the court refusal to grant Farotimi bail, Sowore wrote on his X handle; “The Nigerian justice system is wack, as expected @DeleFarotimi has been hurriedly prosecuted and sent to prison after being denied bail by a judge in Ado Ekiti pre-arranged to do the same. “The @policeng, Chief Afe Babalola, SAN, and the judicial officers had it all planned out even before they sent the goons from Ekiti state command RRS (formerly SARS) to abduct him. “The case adjourned till December 10, 2024. “#RevolutionNow, I mean it. Nigeria is overdue for a REVOLUTION!,” Similarly, Comedian and human rights activist, Debo Adebayo popularly known as Mr Macaroni took the judiciary and the Police Force to cleaners over the treatment melted to the Lagos- based lawyer. Mr. Macaroni on Wednesday submitted; “Dele Farotimi wrote a book Called “Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System” and the brazen impunity which the book seeks to address is playing right before our eyes. “How does one describe this insanity? “Using the Police to abduct a person from one state to another state, the intimidation and harassment of his staff, seizure of their phones… How many crimes have been committed here while trying to investigate whether Mr Farotimi actually committed a crime? “For how long will the Nigerian Police continue to allow themselves be used by the “High and Mighty” to oppress Nigerians? “This is what happens when we support that civil matters be treated as criminal matters because of political differences or stanship. “We have opened the season to the rich and influential who can have a Nigerian arrested by the police because the person said that the big man’s fart stinks. “Even people who should know better now abuse power because there are zero consequences for these actions. “Our system of corruption allows the innocent man who hasn’t been proven guilty of committing any crime suffer while the guilty who commits numerous crimes trying to prove that the innocent man committed a crime roams freely. “TUEH!”

Dele Farotimi remanded in prison

Prince Odutola3 weeks ago3 weeks ago02 mins

Human rights lawyer and activist, Dele Farotimi has been remanded in prison for allegedly defaming a legal luminary and founder of Afe Babalola University, Aare Afe Babalola, SAN. It was reported that Farotimi was arraigned before a Magistrate Court in Ado Ekiti on Monday. The activist was accused of maligning and defaming the character of Afe Babalola in his recently published book, ‘Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System. Farotimi pleaded not guilty to all the sixteen count charges. Police prosecutor, Samson Osun called for the remand of the suspect in prison custody pending further investigation and its outcome for the maintenance of security in the country. Counsel to the defendant, Dayo Akeredolu opposed the call, pleading with the court to admit the defendant to bail on very liberal terms and on self-recognisance. According to him, the case at hand is bailable and the suspect is a known figure who is not constituting any threat. He said the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. However, in his ruling, the presiding judge, Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun remanded the suspect in prison custody and adjourned till December 10.