Human Rights Lawyer Dele Farotimi Arrested Over Alleged Defamation Of UBA CEO

The Nigerian Police Force has arrested human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi, over allegations of defamation leveled against him by the Chief Executive Officer of the United Bank for Africa (UBA), Tony Elumelu.

The development was disclosed by Omoyele Sowore, a 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, through a post on his X account. 

According to Sowore, the arrest follows a petition filed by Elumelu accusing Farotimi of defamation.

Sowore criticized the use of the police in resolving personal disputes and demanded Farotimi’s immediate release.

“It is pertinent that the Nigerian police are notified that the institution cannot continue to be used to settle personal scores, and we, the citizens of Nigeria, would no longer tolerate such a situation,” Sowore stated.

The arrest has sparked discussions on the use of law enforcement for civil matters, with many urging the police to uphold their constitutional duty without being influenced by private interests.