Amnesty International has called for the immediate and unconditional release of Dele Farotimi, a human rights lawyer currently detained by the Nigeria Police Force.
In a statement issued on December 4, 2024, the organization expressed concerns over the lack of fair treatment and transparency in police custody, highlighting that interrogation centers are notorious for potential human rights violations.
The statement criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its escalating crackdown on dissenting voices, urging the government to uphold the constitutional and international rights of all citizens. Amnesty International emphasized that everyone should be allowed to freely exercise their human rights as guaranteed by Nigeria’s constitution.
Farotimi was arrested following a petition from prominent lawyer Afe Babalola, alleging defamation related to statements made in his book, “Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System.” The Ekiti State Magistrate Court has denied him bail, with his next court appearance scheduled for December 10, 2024. The Nigerian Bar Association has also condemned the arrest, asserting that libel is not a criminal offense under Lagos State law.
