Mike Igini Urges IGP to Order Immediate Release of Arrested Lawyer Dele Farotimi
By Okafor Joseph Afam, December 4, 2024
Prominent lawyer Mike Igini has called on the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to order the immediate release of human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi. Farotimi was reportedly arrested at his Lagos residence by officers of the Nigeria Police Force, allegedly acting on a petition by Chief Afe Babalola (SAN), over allegations of cybercrime.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Igini criticized the arrest, warning that such actions could erode public trust in the police and undermine the democratic process. He emphasized that civil disputes like the alleged defamation case against Farotimi should be addressed through the courts, not through police intervention.
“The news of the arrest of Barr. Dele Farotimi by your men from the Ekiti State Command over alleged defamation came as a rude shock to Nigerians. It is unbelievable but true,” Igini stated.
He described the manner of Farotimi’s arrest—being detained in Lagos and transported to Ekiti State by road—as reminiscent of Nigeria’s military dictatorship era, a time when citizens were often detained and mistreated without due process.
Igini further emphasized that freedom of expression is a fundamental right enshrined in Nigeria’s Constitution, which must be respected to preserve democracy.
“The practice of democracy in Nigeria will have no hopeful future if the due process of law to address civil wrongs is not followed,” Igini said. He also cautioned the police against allowing themselves to become tools for settling personal disputes between citizens, particularly in matters that are actionable in court.
The lawyer urged the police to consider the reputational damage incidents like this could cause, as they diminish public confidence in the integrity of law enforcement.
“This democracy that is being undermined today was fought for by patriotic Nigerians who made sacrifices during the dark days of military dictatorship,” Igini added. “The rule of law must prevail over the rule of men, no matter how magnanimous they may appear.”
Nigerians across the globe have joined Igini in demanding the immediate release of Farotimi, condemning the arrest as an affront to human rights and the principles of democracy.
