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By Gabriel Ani
Former Nigerian presidential candidate Peter Obi has expressed deep concerns over the recent arrest and remand of human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi on charges of defamation. Obi criticized the Nigeria Police for their handling of the case, describing it as a deviation from democratic principles and a misuse of law enforcement resources.
“The handling of the case involving human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi runs foul of every democratic norm that guarantees freedom of expression and innocence until proven guilty before a court of law,” Obi said in a statement posted on X Wednesday.
Obi raised questions about the priorities of the police, pointing to their struggles with widespread crime. “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,” he added.
The former governor expressed alarm at Farotimi’s remand, noting that defamation cases are civil matters and should not be weaponized to suppress dissenting 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,” he said.
Obi highlighted the broader implications of the case, calling attention to Nigeria’s rising crime rates and urging authorities to redirect their focus. “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.”
Emphasizing the importance of free speech and impartial justice, Obi concluded with a call for the authorities to uphold democratic principles. “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,” he said.
