December 5, 2024
By Idris Buba
More condemnations from groups and individuals have continued to trail the arrest and detention of human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi and are calling for his immediate release.
The National Association of Seadogs aka Pyrates Confraternity, described the arrest and subsequent detention in prison custody of the human rights activist and lawyer over alleged case of defamation against the founder of Afe Babalola University, Aare Afe Babalola as unjust and an attempt to silence the voice of activism.
The group, said the Police and Judiciary have abused the rule of law, stating that such a posture is an aberration and brings to the fore the dark days of military era.
An Ado-Ekiti Magistrate Court, presided over by Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun, had on Wednesday remanded Farotimi in prison custody until December 10, 2024.
READ MORE; Obidients Movement Condemns Farotimi’s Detention, Threatens Nationwide Protests
In a statement titled, “Enough is Enough! This Harassment, Intimidation of Innocent Citizens Must Stop Now,” by the NAS Capoon, Dr. Joseph Oteri, the association said the invasion of his law firm and subsequent harassment of his staff is a clear abuse of their fundamental human rights as guaranteed in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The Pyrates Confraternity pointed out that the alleged offence of defamation, for which Farotimi was reportedly arrested, is a civil matter under Sections 373 and 375 of the Criminal Code.
NAS, therefore demand his unconditional release of Dele Farotmi.
“NAS in a statement, expressed concerns that these incidents underscore the deep-rooted flaws in Nigeria’s governance and law enforcement systems, noting that while Nigerians are still reeling from the shameful imprisonment and torture of minors for protesting against hunger, they were, again, confronted by another brazen disregard of the human rights activist.
The statement further warned that, “Law enforcement must never be weaponized to target individuals or institutions for personal or political reasons, emphasizing that upholding the rule of law is a non-negotiable cornerstone of any democratic society, and any deviation from this principle threatens the very fabric of justice and accountability.”
