By Ologeh Joseph Chibu
The Commissioner of Police in Ekiti State, Adeniran Akinwale, has justified the arrest of Lagos-based human rights activist and lawyer Dele Farotimi.
The police said he was arrested over allegations of cyberbullying and defamation.
Addressing the media on Tuesday, Akinwale the charges against Farotimi include, the police said “defamation of character, cyberstalking, and related offences.”
He said Farotimi made unsubstantiated claims on the social media.
Akinwale said, “We are investigating him (Farotimi). If the suspect is arrested, we will bring him for investigation. We will conduct our investigation and will be able to know his level of culpability or otherwise.”
Opposition to the Arrest
The arrest has sparked widespread criticism, including condemnation from Akin Osuntokun, Director-General of the Labour Party’s Presidential Campaign Council. Speaking to reporters, Osuntokun raised concerns about the police’s methods and questioned the alleged involvement of prominent lawyer Chief Afe Babalola.
“I know Dele Farotimi as a junior I was a bit disturbed about the fact that the police commissioner in Ekiti state would come to Lagos to come and arrest someone about cybercrime which is always a euphemism for whatever grouse the police has,” Osuntokun stated.
Presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2023 elections, Omoyele Sowore, also criticized the arrest. Calling it undemocratic, Sowore demanded Farotimi’s immediate release, accusing the police of abusing their authority to settle personal disputes.
In a series of tweets, Sowore revealed that he had spoken with Commissioner Akinwale, who confirmed that Farotimi was being transported from Lagos to Ekiti. “I told him categorically that this constituted an abuse of @PoliceNG’s powers and that this was a civil case that ought not to have warranted police intervention,” Sowore tweeted.
Farotimi’s Allegations and Concerns
Prior to his arrest, Farotimi alleged that operatives from the Ekiti State Police Command were planning to abduct him under the guise of questioning him. He criticized the authorities for intimidating his associates and surveilling him, calling their actions a breach of due process.
In a press statement, Farotimi said, “I must reiterate that I am a law-abiding citizen. I have consistently honoured every lawful invitation by the Nigeria Police Force. However, these recent developments – targeting my associates, tracking my phone, and harassing innocent individuals-are deeply concerning.”
“It has therefore become clear, and it is no longer hidden, that there are policemen from the Ekiti State Police Command who are currently working out of Zone 2 Police Station on a mission to abduct me. Now, this leads me to ask a question: if I faithfully attended the police station as invited, why not invite me in the same manner again?”
Farotimi questioned the legality of the police’s approach, adding, “I have good reason to be fearful for my life, my liberty, and even the well-being of those around me.”
Disputed Custody and Public Reactions
Contradicting claims of an arrest, Zone 2 Police Public Relations Officer Umma Ayuba stated that Farotimi was not in their custody. She confirmed that Farotimi had been invited for questioning two weeks earlier regarding a complaint and was released after complying.
“I have checked our records, he is not in our custody. He was invited about two weeks ago and was released after honouring our invitation,” Ayuba clarified.
The arrest has drawn attention to broader concerns about the misuse of law enforcement for personal disputes and the need for transparency in handling allegations involving high-profile individuals. Public outcry continues to mount as stakeholders call for adherence to due process and the protection of fundamental rights.
