*Questions Court’s Decision To Remand Farotimi Despite Ongoing Investigation
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The First Vice President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Sebastine Anyia, has expressed grave concerns over the arrest and detention of human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi, describing it as a clear abuse of police power and an alarming expansion of jurisdiction. Speaking during an Arise TV interview, Anyia dissected the legal and procedural irregularities surrounding Farotimi’s arrest and vowed that the NBA would ensure justice is served
Anyia emphasized that the arrest was conducted in Lagos by officers from Ekiti State, a move he deemed improper and inconsistent with established legal protocols. He noted that the Lagos State government, through its 2011 amendments, explicitly removed defamation from the list of criminal offenses, making Farotimi’s arrest legally dubious.
“It is baffling that Ekiti State police came to Lagos to arrest a Nigerian citizen for defamation—a civil matter—and the Lagos State Police Command allowed it. This was a jurisdictional overreach and an affront to the rule of law,” he said.
Anyia questioned the complicity or inaction of Lagos State police, stating, “Police from another state cannot simply invade Lagos without liaising with the Lagos Police Command. If Lagos police permitted this, it raises serious questions about their role in upholding the law. If they didn’t, it suggests an invasion, which is even more troubling.”
The NBA Vice President underscored how the arrest was handled with excessive force and intimidation, equating it to an abduction rather than a lawful apprehension. He revealed that the police stormed Farotimi’s law office, disrupted work, and seized personal belongings, including phones, while threatening to shoot staff.
“This high-handedness is unacceptable in a democratic society,” Anyia remarked. “Defamation, as alleged, relates to a book Farotimi published. Why then the need for seizing phones and issuing threats? This reflects lawlessness and abuse of authority.”
Anyia expressed dismay over the court’s decision to remand Farotimi in custody. According to him, the police admitted during proceedings that investigations were ongoing, yet the court still granted their request for remand.
“It is absurd that someone is remanded while investigations are incomplete. The prosecutor openly admitted that they needed more time to gather evidence. This is a miscarriage of justice and undermines public confidence in the judiciary,” he argued.
Furthermore, Anyia raised concerns about the punitive nature of Farotimi’s detention. “He has been denied basic comforts, including necessary medication. This goes beyond detention—it’s punishment without trial. Such practices erode the principles of justice and fairness.”
Anyia warned that the case sets a dangerous precedent for police operations and the administration of justice in Nigeria. “We are witnessing an era where the police act as though they are above the law, becoming demigods. This must stop,” he said, adding that lawyers enabling such practices should be held accountable.
Asserting the NBA’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, Anyia stated, “We are not taking sides in this case. However, we demand that due process be followed. Farotimi’s rights have been grossly violated, and we will ensure that those responsible are held accountable.”
Anyia also condemned the rising trend of police harassment, referencing a recent case where a Lagos lawyer was arrested and flown to Enugu under questionable circumstances.
“The NBA is working diligently under its current leadership to address these systemic issues. We will advocate for institutional reforms to prevent future abuses,” he affirmed.
Anyia called on the courts to exercise caution and uphold the principles of justice. “The judiciary must resist being complicit in such illegalities. Judges must critically assess whether they have jurisdiction before granting police requests,” he urged.
He concluded by assuring Nigerians that the NBA would follow the Farotimi case to its logical conclusion, stating, “We are committed to protecting the rights of every citizen and ensuring the rule of law prevails in Nigeria.”
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