Human rights activist and Abuja-based lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has berated renowned Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Afe Babolola, for using the Police to allegedly intimidate, harass, and arrest fellow lawyer and public affairs commented, Dele Farotimi.
LEADERSHIP reports that Farotimi was arrested from his law firm in Lagos on Tuesday by Policemen from Ekiti State Police Command over alleged defamation.
Farotimi was accused of defaming Chief Babalola in his book, ‘Nigeria and the Criminal Justice System’, according to a petition to the Police filed by the latter.
Farotimi was taken to Ekiti State and arraigned before a Chief Magistrate’s Court in Ado-Ekiti. The Chief Magistrate, Abayomi Adeosun, ordered Farotimi’s remand in a correctional facility, adjourning the case until December 10.
However, Adeyanju, speaking during a press conference in Abuja on Friday, criticised the use of state resources for what he described as a civil matter. “It is unfortunate and regrettable that our revered father and leader in the profession would resort to using the police to harass and intimidate a fellow lawyer who is merely speaking up against societal ills,” he said.
He further expressed concern over the police’s role in the case, emphasising that their actions undermined their primary duty of combating crime. “The police must stop acting as errand boys for big men and influential people,” he said.
Adeyanju highlighted the broader implications of the case, stating that using police for personal disputes distracts from addressing critical security challenges in the country.
“The resources and time used to fight ego wars on behalf of powerful individuals should be channelled towards combating insecurity, banditry, and terrorism,” he said. “There’s a new terrorist group called Lakurawa in Zamfara; police officers are needed there, not running errands for the wealthy.”
He also questioned the decision to transport Farotimi to Ekiti State instead of arraigning him in Lagos, where he resides. “Why was there a raid on his office? Why were lawyers and staff in his chamber assaulted? This entire operation reeks of abuse of power and rights violations,” Adeyanju added.
Adeyanju called for systemic reforms, urging the government and police to refrain from interfering in civil disputes like defamation. He proposed an Executive Order by President Bola Tinubu to bar security agencies from engaging in such cases.
“Taxpayers’ money should not be used to fight personal battles. The Inspector General of Police should issue a directive to focus resources on fighting crime, not civil disputes,” Adeyanju said.
Also, Barrister Adeyanju condemned the treatment of investigative journalist, Fisayo Soyombo, who was arrested by the military in Rivers State while investigating illegal oil bunkering. He accused state actors of complicity in crude oil theft and criticised the military for exposing Soyombo to potential harm.
“Evidence shows that the Navy and Army are complicit in escorting vessels involved in crude oil theft. Journalists like Soyombo must be protected to expose corruption without fear of harassment,” Adeyanju stated.
In addition, Adeyanju criticised opposition political parties for failing to challenge poor governance and policies by the All Progressives Congress (APC) government.
“The opposition is weak and compromised. They are failing in their constitutional duty to hold the government accountable. A vibrant and credible opposition is essential for democracy, and its absence is dangerous for Nigeria,” Adeyanju stated.