The Social and Economic Rights Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to release activist and lawyer Dele Farotimi, who was reportedly arrested for alleged defamation.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), SERAP urged the Nigerian government to desist from using criminal defamation laws to suppress critics and stifle freedom of expression.
“BREAKING: The Tinubu administration must immediately release activist Dele Farotimi, who is reportedly arrested for alleged defamation.

Nigerian authorities should not be using criminal defamation laws to turn critics into criminals and undermine freedom of expression,” SERAP stated.
Farotimi’s arrest follows a petition by Chief Afe Babalola, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), accusing him of defaming a client.
The activist had previously expressed concerns about threats to his life, allegedly orchestrated by influential individuals within Nigerian elite circles in collaboration with security agencies and legal professionals.
Reacting to the arrest, activist Aisha Yesufu criticized the police, describing their actions as oppressive.
“What the heck is going on? Mr. Dele Farotimi @DeleFarotimi arrested by police and whereabouts unknown? @PoliceNG, when will you stop being a weapon of oppression? They want to silence voices. #FreeDeleFarotimiNow,” Yesufu wrote.
The development has sparked public outrage, with calls for the government to respect fundamental rights and freedoms.
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