Human rights activist and Abuja-based lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has berated famend Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Afe Babolola, for utilizing the Police to allegedly intimidate, harass, and arrest fellow lawyer and public affairs commented, Dele Farotimi.
LEADERSHIP experiences that Farotimi was arrested from his regulation agency in Lagos on Tuesday by Policemen from Ekiti State Police Command over alleged defamation.
Farotimi was accused of defaming Chief Babalola in his guide, ‘Nigeria and the Felony Justice System’, in line with a petition to the Police filed by the latter.
Farotimi was taken to Ekiti State and arraigned earlier than a Chief Justice of the Peace’s Courtroom in Ado-Ekiti. The Chief Justice of the Peace, Abayomi Adeosun, ordered Farotimi’s remand in a correctional facility, adjourning the case till December 10.
Nonetheless, Adeyanju, talking throughout a press convention in Abuja on Friday, criticised the usage of state sources for what he described as a civil matter. “It’s unlucky and regrettable that our revered father and chief within the occupation would resort to utilizing the police to harass and intimidate a fellow lawyer who’s merely talking up in opposition to societal ills,” he stated.
He additional expressed concern over the police’s position within the case, emphasising that their actions undermined their main responsibility of combating crime. “The police should cease performing as errand boys for large males and influential individuals,” he stated.
Adeyanju highlighted the broader implications of the case, stating that utilizing police for private disputes distracts from addressing crucial safety challenges within the nation.
“The sources and time used to struggle ego wars on behalf of highly effective people ought to be channelled in the direction of combating insecurity, banditry, and terrorism,” he stated. “There’s a brand new terrorist group referred to as Lakurawa in Zamfara; cops are wanted there, not working errands for the rich.”
He additionally questioned the choice to move Farotimi to Ekiti State as an alternative of arraigning him in Lagos, the place he resides. “Why was there a raid on his workplace? Why have been legal professionals and workers in his chamber assaulted? This whole operation reeks of abuse of energy and rights violations,” Adeyanju added.
Adeyanju referred to as for systemic reforms, urging the federal government and police to chorus from interfering in civil disputes like defamation. He proposed an Government Order by President Bola Tinubu to bar safety businesses from partaking in such circumstances.
“Taxpayers’ cash shouldn’t be used to struggle private battles. The Inspector General of Police ought to subject a directive to focus sources on preventing crime, not civil disputes,” Adeyanju stated.
Additionally, Barrister Adeyanju condemned the therapy of investigative journalist, Fisayo Soyombo, who was arrested by the army in Rivers State whereas investigating unlawful oil bunkering. He accused state actors of complicity in crude oil theft and criticised the army for exposing Soyombo to potential hurt.
“Proof reveals that the Navy and Military are complicit in escorting vessels concerned in crude oil theft. Journalists like Soyombo have to be protected to show corruption with out concern of harassment,” Adeyanju said.
As well as, Adeyanju criticised opposition political events for failing to problem poor governance and insurance policies by the All Progressives Congress (APC) authorities.
“The opposition is weak and compromised. They’re failing of their constitutional responsibility to carry the federal government accountable. A vibrant and credible opposition is important for democracy, and its absence is harmful for Nigeria,” Adeyanju said.
