- Says Targeting Critical Voices is Unlawful
Following the arrest of Human Rights Lawyer, Dele Farotimi, Amnesty International has demanded the Nigerian authorities to investigate the alleged threats to his life.
This was contained in a post by the organization via X on Tuesday.
“Amnesty International is deeply concerned over alleged threats to the life of Dele Farotimi who has been facing series of harassment and intimidation, solely for his critical opinions on national issues. This chilling campaign of repression targeting critical voices is unlawful.
“The Nigerian authorities must immediately investigate allegations of threats to the life of Dele Farotimi — and end the growing crackdown on human rights. Government must respect, protect, promote & fulfill the human rights of everyone including the right to freedom of expression.” The post read.
This is following reports that the lawyer has now been arrested by operatives of the Nigerian Police Force over alleged defamation of the United Bank of Africa’s (UBA) Chief Executive Officer, Tony Elumelu.
NPO reports that Farotimi had raised alarm over some security agencies threatening his fundamental human rights.
He also gave account of how one of his staffs was nearly lured after claims of having a package for him.
“I won’t leave Nigeria. My concern and determination is that if these people are sure I have done anything wrong that is worth being prosecuted for, they should do so within the ambit of the law and not through the backdoor or desperately deploring state resources to trail me illegally.
“These individuals contacted one of my staff, claiming to have a package for him at Evron Food Store on Chevron Drive, Lekki. Having been forewarned, he asked them to leave the package with the store’s security personnel.
“When their attempts to coerce the security guard into luring my staff failed, they arrested the guard, took him to Zone 2 Police Station, and questioned him about my home address and wife’s contact information.
“The security guard was released on bail later that evening. I must reiterate that I am a law-abiding citizen. I have consistently honoured every lawful invitation by the Nigeria Police Force.
“However, these recent developments targeting my associates, tracking my phone, and harassing innocent individuals are deeply concerning.”
“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.
“Now, this leads me to ask a question: If I faithfully attended the police station as invited, why not invite me in the same manner again? Assuming there is even a charge, it does not take a lawyer to point out that law enforcement officers going around arresting people connected to me and intimidating them is not the proper way to carry out a lawful arrest.
“So, I have good reason to be fearful for my life, my liberty, and even the well-being of those around me.
“You will all recall, gentlemen of the press, that in February 2021, I publicly disclosed a murder plot against me. I was given six names by the person who revealed the plot.”