Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has denounced the arrest and detention of human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi, describing it as a dangerous throwback to Nigeria’s oppressive military dictatorship era.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Atiku expressed outrage over the defamation charges brought against Farotimi, arguing that such matters should be resolved through civil litigation, not law enforcement.
“The arrest and detention of lawyer and human rights advocate, Dele Farotimi, is unequivocally condemned,” Atiku stated. “It reminds us of the dark days when dissent was crushed under the iron grip of tyranny.”
He criticised the Police’s involvement, calling it an excessive use of state power. “Defamation is a civil matter, not a criminal offence. Invoking police authority for such a case is like using a sledgehammer to swat a fly—an alarming overreach,” Atiku added.
Atiku also condemned the increasing trend of targeting government critics, warning that these actions undermine Nigeria’s democratic foundations. “The abduction, for that is what it is, of Dele Farotimi signals this administration’s intent to suppress free expression and intimidate dissent. Such tactics pave the way for a one-party state, which is antithetical to democracy.”
He reminded the government that freedom of speech and association are constitutional rights, not privileges. Urging the respect for the rule of law, Atiku stated that grievances over defamation should be addressed in court rather than through police intervention.
“In 2019, I was defamed, but I sought redress in court, not through intimidation. That is how democracy works,” Atiku said.
Atiku called for the immediate release of Farotimi, describing his detention as an affront to Nigeria’s democratic principles.
Farotimi was arrested on Tuesday in Lagos and charged before a Chief Magistrate Court in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, for alleged defamation stemming from his book Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System, where he accused Senior Advocate of Nigeria Afe Babalola of compromising the Supreme Court.
The court has ordered Farotimi’s remand at a state correctional facility until December 10, 2024.
