FORMER NUJ PRESIDENT LANRE OGUNDIPE CALLS FOR DELE FAROTIMI’S IMMEDIATE RELEASE
0
0
0
0
FORMER NUJ PRESIDENT LANRE OGUNDIPE CALLS FOR DELE FAROTIMI’S IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A former President of Nigeria/African Union of Journalists, Lanre Ogundipe has called for the immediate release of a human rights activist, Barrister Dele Farotimi.
The human rights activists is currently being detained on defamatory allegations by the Nigeria Police.
In a statement, Lanre Ogundipe described the prolonged detention as infringement on Dele Farotimi’s human rights.
The former union leader argued that defamation is no longer a criminal offence in Lagos state, noting that the law has since been decriminalised in Lagos in 2011.
(Full Statement)
Press Statement
RELEASE BARRISTER DELE FAROTIMI NOW FORMER NUJ/AFRICAN UNION OF JOURNALISTS COUNSEL NIGERIA POLICE
It is unjust and its against the principle of natural justice for the Nigerian Police to invade and arrest human right activist – Dele Farotimi on a mere defamatory allegation that has not been proved.
Defamation is no longer a classified criminal law, the issue can be resolved without necessarily intimidating the other party with unnecessary show of power with invading his office to effect arrest.
The police action on Dele Farotimi’s is oppressive and a misuse of power and it constitues a breach on the lawyer’s fundamental rights.
In a statement issued, by the journalist and a right activist, defamation is no longer a criminal offence in Lagos state. The law has since been decriminalised in Lagos in 2011.
The Police legal department failed in its duty to do a thorough job to advise its operational agents on the position of law in the state to stave- off Dele’s arrest.
With this breach I hereby demand for an unconditional release of Mr. Farotimi without further delay from the police custody.
Lanre Ogundipe
Former President
Nigeria/African Union of Journalists
About The Author
