Activist Deji Adeyanju has criticized the Nigeria Police Force for allegedly acting as tools for influential individuals and politicians.
Adeyanju made the statement in reaction to the arrest of human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi on charges of defamation.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Friday, Adeyanju condemned Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Afe Babalola for involving the police in what he termed a “harassment campaign” against Farotimi, rather than pursuing civil legal remedies.
He described the arrest of Farotimi at his Lagos office as a misuse of institutional power.
His words: “It’s unfortunate that our revered father and leader in the legal profession would resort to using the police to harass, intimidate, and arrest a fellow lawyer; someone who is speaking up against societal ills.”
He questioned the necessity of transferring Farotimi to Ekiti State, Afe Babalola’s home turf, instead of arraigning him in Lagos where he resides and works.
“The police must stop acting as errand boys to big men, influential people, and politicians,” he stated.
He further decried the use of criminal defamation laws, calling them outdated relics of colonial rule.
“The whole world has moved away from criminal defamation. Nigeria must do the same,” he noted.
Adeyanju called on stakeholders in law enforcement and the judiciary to ensure fair treatment for individuals targeted in such cases and urged Afe Babalola and others to lead by example by respecting civil liberties and pursuing justice through appropriate channels.
