The Ekiti State Police Command has defended its decision to arrest Lagos-based human rights activist, Dele Farotimi, over allegations of cyberbullying and defamation.
The State Commissioner of Police, Adeniran Akinwale, explained the charges, which include defamation of character and cyberstalking, saying investigations are ongoing to determine Farotimi’s involvement.
“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,” Akinwale stated.
Farotimi’s arrest has sparked mixed reactions. Akin Osuntokun, the Director-General of the Labour Party Presidential Campaign Council, criticized the process, calling it inconsistent with due process.
He also raised concerns about the mention of respected lawyer Chief Afe Babalola’s name in connection with the incident.
“I am sure that Babalola will not get involved in something like this. Something is missing somewhere. The method with which he was apprehended, I won’t know how that is consistent with due process,” Osuntokun remarked.
Meanwhile, Omoyele Sowore, the African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, condemned the arrest, labeling it undemocratic.
Sowore claimed the police were being used for personal vendettas and called for Farotimi’s immediate release. “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,” he tweeted.
Farotimi had earlier expressed fears for his safety, alleging attempts to abduct him over the content of a book he published. In a statement, he 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?
“Assuming there is even a charge, it does not take a lawyer to point out that law enforcement officers going around arresting people connected to me and intimidating them is not the proper way to carry out a lawful arrest. So, I have good reason to be fearful for my life, my liberty, and even the well-being of those around me.”
Beyond Boders further reports that the Zone 2 Police Command denied holding Farotimi. The Public Relations Officer, Umma Ayuba, clarified that Farotimi was invited two weeks ago, honored the invitation, and was released. “He is not in our custody,” she confirmed.
