Renowned human rights lawyer, Femi Falana SAN, has called for the immediate and unconditional release of Mr. Dele Farotimi, who was arrested in Lagos on allegations of criminal libel.

In a statement issued today, Falana condemned the arrest, describing it as illegal and a blatant disregard for the law. He emphasized that Lagos State is one of two states in Nigeria that have entirely decriminalized defamation under their criminal laws.

Falana referred to the Supreme Court’s decision in *Aviomoh v Commissioner of Police & Anor. (2021)*, where Justice Helen Ogunwumiju affirmed that defamation ceased to be a criminal offense in Lagos with the enactment of the Criminal Law of Lagos in 2011.

“The arrest of Mr. Farotimi on grounds of criminal libel is not only unlawful but also a contradiction of established legal principles in Lagos State,” Falana stated.

He urged the authorities to respect the law and immediately release Mr. Farotimi from custody, adding that such actions undermine the rule of law and fundamental rights guaranteed under the Nigerian Constitution.

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