Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, has urged the Nigerian police to redeem their integrity by promptly ending the prosecution of human rights activist and lawyer, Dele Farotimi.
The deputy leader of Afenifere, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, made this demand while addressing journalists in Lagos on Wednesday.
He argued that Farotimi’s arrest is not supported by the law and described his prosecution as unjust.
Olaitan recounted the events leading to Farotimi’s arrest and alleged that the prolonged delay in granting bail reinforced suspicions that external influences, rather than legal considerations, were driving the case.
“The delay in granting bail has confirmed fears that this process is being driven by extraneous factors outside the law and facts of the case.
“While the onus of proof is on the prosecution, and Farotimi remains presumed innocent by law, Afenifere calls on the police to end this unjust prosecution,” he said.
Afenifere also condemned the circumstances surrounding Farotimi’s arrest, describing it as an “abduction.”
Olaitan pointed out that Farotimi’s arrest was neither logged nor booked at any police station in Lagos, where the arrest occurred.
“This practice of arresting individuals in one state and transporting them without proper logging or informing their families is deeply concerning.
“It causes unnecessary emotional distress for the arrested person and their relatives, who are often left unaware of the individual’s whereabouts for extended periods,” he added.
Afenifere urged the police to cease this practice, emphasising that all arrests should be logged at the nearest police station, and the arrested person’s right to contact family or a lawyer should be upheld.
