‘Abuse of power’ — NGO condemns detention of Dele Farotimi

The Electoral College Nigeria (ECN), a non-governmental organisation, has condemned the arrest and detention of Dele Farotimi, a human rights advocate.

On Tuesday, Farotimi was arrested at his office in Lagos by officers attached to the Ekiti state police command.

On Wednesday, The Ekiti state magistrate court in Ado-Ekiti remanded Farotimi over alleged defamation of Afe Babalola, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

Farotimi was arraigned on a 16-count charge by the police on Wednesday, but pleaded not guilty to the allegations.

The arrest and arraignment of the activist have elicited criticisms with many Nigerians asking the police to release him.

Speaking on the matter, Kunle Lawal, executive director of the NGO, said involvement of the police in such civil dispute reflects an “abuse of institutional powers”.

He said the “forceful” relocation of Farotimi from Lagos to Ekiti state “suggests intent to frustrate his access to justice and intimidate him into submission”.

“The Electoral College Nigeria strongly condemns the arrest, denial of bail, and subsequent remand of Dele Farotimi by the Nigerian Police over allegations of defamation,” he said.

“This incident highlights ongoing concerns about the misuse of state apparatus, the violation of fundamental rights, and the disregard for due process in Nigeria’s democratic system.

“Dele Farotimi’s arrest underscores an alarming trend where civil disputes are unnecessarily criminalized, using the weight of the justice system to intimidate and silence voices of dissent.

“As an organisation dedicated to political literacy and the promotion of democratic values, we find this development not only troubling but detrimental to the growth of democracy in Nigeria.

“Dele Farotimi’s case is not just about one individual; it is about the broader state of democracy and justice in Nigeria. It is about ensuring that no citizen is subjected to unlawful detention or intimidation for exercising their constitutional rights.”