By Ali Elias
Presidential candidate Peter Obi has voiced strong criticism of the Nigerian Police’s handling of the case involving human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi, describing it as a disturbing affront to democratic principles and freedom of expression. In a statement shared on his X (formerly Twitter) page, Obi expressed dismay at the decision to remand Farotimi in prison over a defamation allegation—a matter he emphasized should be treated as civil, not criminal. Obi’s statement sheds light on the broader implications of the case, raising concerns about the erosion of fundamental rights and the prioritization of less critical issues amidst rising insecurity and corruption.
Read the full statement below for deeper insight into his position.
The handling of the case involving human rights lawyer @DeleFarotomi runs foul of every Democratic norm that guarantees freedom of expression and innocence until found guilty before a law court.
It’s curious that the Nigeria Police, who are struggling with a barrage of crimes all over the place, now indulge in civil cases on half complaints and rush to court at the speed of light.
Hearing that Dele Farotimi has been remanded in prison over an allegation of defamation is very disturbing. This development raises serious concerns about the state of justice and freedom of expression in our country, particularly when viewed against the backdrop of the alarming rise in criminal activities across the nation.
At a time when national efforts should be directed toward addressing pressing issues such as insecurity, corruption, and economic challenges, it is disheartening to see the focus shifted to cases that appear to stifle critical voices.
Matters of defamation are civil and should be treated as such, not turned into a tool for intimidation or the erosion of fundamental rights.
The strength of any democracy lies in its ability to tolerate differing opinions and uphold the rule of law without bias. I once again call on the authorities to ensure that justice is served impartially and to prioritize the urgent task of combating the real threats plaguing our nation