Civil Society Groups Demand Justice for Dele Farotimi, Advocate Free Expression
Princess-Ekwi Ajide
Over 90 civil society organisations have condemned the arrest and detention of human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi, calling it an attack on free expression and Nigeria’s democracy.
Farotimi, arrested in a dramatic operation by plain-clothes officers, faces charges of criminal defamation, a claim critics say has no legal basis.
His arrest followed the release of his book, Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System, where he criticised prominent figures Tony Elumelu and Chief Afe Babalola.
CCTV footage from his office reportedly shows officers seizing phones, threatening staff, and crossing state lines unlawfully. Activists allege misuse of law enforcement to silence dissent.
“Defamation is a civil matter, not a criminal offense,” said rights advocate Chidi Odinkalu, warning against weaponising state agencies.
As International Human Rights Day is observed, the coalition demands Farotimi’s release, the abolition of criminal defamation laws, and greater protection for free speech. “Justice cannot thrive where dissent is silenced,” one activist emphasised.
