The Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Adeniran Akinwale, has defended the recent arrest of Lagos-based human rights activist, Dele Farotimi, for alleged cyberbullying and defamation.
In an interview with a correspondent on Tuesday, December 3, Akinwale stated that Farotimi was arrested due to charges including defamation of character, cyberstalking, and other related offenses, which he claimed had been “fully established.”
“We are investigating him. If the suspect is arrested, we will bring him for investigation,” Akinwale explained, emphasising that a thorough investigation would be conducted to determine Farotimi’s level of culpability, or lack thereof.
Farotimi’s arrest has drawn strong reactions, with some prominent figures condemning the action. Akin Osuntokun, the Director General of the Labour Party presidential campaign council, expressed his concern over the arrest, particularly questioning the involvement of Chief Afe Babalola, a respected Nigerian lawyer.
Osuntokun found it troubling that the police commissioner from Ekiti traveled to Lagos for the arrest, calling it an overreach. He added, “I am sure that Babalola will not get involved in something like this. Something is missing somewhere.”
Meanwhile, Omoyele Sowore, the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2023 elections, also condemned the arrest. Sowore, who publicly criticized the police’s actions, argued that the arrest was undemocratic and an abuse of power.
He expressed his concern on X (Formerly Twitter), where he demanded Farotimi’s immediate release and stressed that the police should not be used to settle personal scores.
Sowore further criticised the process, saying, “Did he kill someone? This illegal arrest was staged by one of Nigeria’s most senior lawyers, Afe Babalola SAN. This is just despicable.”
Farotimi, for his part, had previously accused some police operatives from Ekiti State of plotting to arrest him over the content of a book he published.
In a statement issued on Monday, December 2, he described several unsettling actions, including the tracking of his phone and harassment of his associates, which suggested an attempt to abduct him rather than issue a proper invitation for questioning.
Farotimi said, “It has therefore become clear, and it is no longer hidden, that there are policemen from the Ekiti State Police Command who are currently working out of Zone 2 Police Station on a mission to abduct me.”
He continued, “I have good reason to be fearful for my life, my liberty, and even the well-being of those around me.”
The arrest is reportedly linked to a petition filed by Tony Elumelu, the chairman of UBA Group, who accused Farotimi of defamation. Sowore revealed in a post that Farotimi was detained by the police following Elumelu’s complaint.
Sowore and others have strongly criticized the police for using their power in this case to settle personal grievances.
In a twist, the Zone 2 Public Relations Officer, Umma Ayuba, clarified that Farotimi was not currently in their custody. She confirmed that Farotimi had been invited by the Zone two weeks ago in relation to the allegation, and after honoring the invitation, he was released.
Ayuba stated, “I have checked our records, he is not in our custody. He was invited about two weeks ago and was released after honoring our invitation.”
As the situation unfolds, the controversy surrounding Farotimi’s arrest raises serious questions about the role of the police in resolving civil disputes, with many calling for a transparent investigation and a fair process to ensure justice is served.
