The Social and Economic Rights Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to promptly release activist Dele Farotimi, who has reportedly been detained.
SERAP warned the Nigerian government against exploiting criminal defamation laws to silence critics and stifle freedom of expression.
In a post on X, SERAP declared: “BREAKING: The Tinubu administration must immediately free activist Dele Farotimi, who has been arrested for alleged defamation. Nigerian authorities should refrain from using these laws to criminalize dissent and undermine the right to free speech.”
Farotimi’s arrest follows a complaint filed by Chief Afe Babalola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, claiming defamation against his client. This incident occurs amidst rising tensions, as Farotimi had previously voiced concerns over threats to his safety from powerful figures within Nigeria’s elite, allegedly in collusion with security forces and legal professionals.
Activist Aisha Yesufu also expressed her outrage, questioning when the police would cease to act as tools of oppression. She wrote, “What on earth is happening? Mr. Dele Farotimi has been arrested by the police, and his whereabouts are unknown! PoliceNG, when will you stop being an instrument of oppression? They want to silence dissenting voices. #FreeDeleFarotimiNow.”
