The Nigerian Police Force has reportedly arrested human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi on charges of defaming the Chief Executive Officer of the United Bank for Africa, Tony Elumelu.
Omoyele Sowore, the African Action Congress’ 2023 presidential contender, reported Farotimi’s detention in a post on his X Twitter on Tuesday.
Sowore revealed that Elumelu has filed a petition accusing Farotimi of slander.
He demanded the lawyer’s immediate release and stressed that the police should not be used to resolve personal disagreements.
Sowore wrote, “I just learned that Dele Farotimi was arrested by the Nigerian Police over a petition by Tony Elumelu of UBA Group alleging Dele defamed him.
“It is pertinent that the Nigerian police are notified that the institution cannot continue to be used to settle personal scores, and we, the citizens of Nigeria, would no longer tolerate such a situation.
“Therefore, the police at Zone 2 in Lagos are advised to release Barrister Dele Farotimi immediately.”