Prominent legal practitioner, Jibrin Samuel Okutepa SAN, has strongly criticized the arrest of lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi, describing it as an abuse of police power and a violation of fundamental rights.

In a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), Okutepa decried the police’s decision to detain Farotimi on allegations of criminal defamation. He emphasized that defamation is a civil matter and actionable in court, not grounds for police intervention.

“Defamation is tortious and should be resolved through civil courts. The use of police to detain Dele Farotimi is oppressive and a misuse of authority,” Okutepa stated.

He further urged the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to take swift action to ensure Farotimi’s release and called on the authorities to guarantee his safety. “Dele Farotimi must not be harmed or subjected to inhuman treatment. His lawyers and family must be allowed access to him,” he added.

Okutepa also reiterated his earlier stance on broader issues of corruption and justice in Nigeria. He called on anti-graft agencies to focus on genuine cases of corruption and ensure independence in their operations.

The senior lawyer’s comments have sparked widespread discussions about police accountability and the misuse of legal systems in Nigeria, with calls growing for systemic reforms.

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