Ogundipe To Police: Release Dele Farotimi Now; Defamation Not A Criminal Offense

A former President of Nigeria and African Union of Journalists, Mr Lanre Ogundipe, has called on the police to release Barrister Dele Farotimi who was whisked away from his office yesterday for defamation.

Ogundipe, in a statement sent to Newsnowonline.com.ng said the arrest is unjust and against natural justice.

According to the statement ” It is unjust and its against the principle of natural justice for the Nigerian Police to invade and arrest human right activist – Dele Farotimi on a mere defamatory allegation that has not been proved.

“Defamation is no longer a classified criminal law, the issue can be resolved without necessarily intimidating the other party with unnecessary show of power with invading his office to effect arrest.

“The police action on Dele Farotimi’s is oppressive and a misuse of power and it constitues a breach on the lawyer’s fundamental rights.”

Ogundipe maintained that defamation is no longer a criminal offence in Lagos state, adding that the law has since been decriminalised in Lagos in 2011.

“The Police legal department failed in its duty to do a thorough job to advise its operational agents on the position of law in the state to stave- off Dele’s arrest.

“With this breach I hereby demand for an unconditional release of Mr. Farotimi without further delay from the police custody”, he added.