Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has strongly criticized the Nigerian police for arresting human rights lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi.
Farotimi was reportedly detained by officers from the Nigeria Police Force’s Zone 2 Command in Lagos after Tony Elumelu, Chairman of the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Group, filed a defamation petition against him. A day before his arrest, Farotimi had expressed concerns about threats to his life from powerful figures within Nigeria’s political landscape.
In a series of tweets, Obi described the arrest as “a gross misuse of police powers” and “a grave assault on democracy and justice.” He called for Farotimi’s immediate release and condemned the use of law enforcement to intimidate critics.
Obi stated:
“Defamation is a civil matter that should be addressed in court, not through the weaponization of the police. The police are meant to protect citizens’ rights, not suppress them. This incident raises serious concerns about the independence and professionalism of the police as a civil force.”
Drawing from personal experience, Obi noted that he, too, has been defamed and criticized without resorting to police action. He emphasized the importance of addressing disputes through legal channels rather than abusing state power.
He concluded by urging the police to prioritize their constitutional duties to the Nigerian people over narrow interests and demanded Farotimi’s unconditional release.
