Crime
NBA Demands Release Of Dele Farotimi, Condemns Police Actions
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has demanded the immediate release of human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi, following his arrest over allegations of libel.
The NBA also condemned the reported invasion of Farotimi’s law firm, describing the actions of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) as a violation of the rule of law and an assault on the independence of the legal profession.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN) criticized the police for allegedly harassing lawyers and staff at Farotimi’s office and confiscating their phones during the operation.
READ ALSO: 26 Injured As Protests Against Georgian Gov’t Intensify
“These actions constitute a troubling breach of the rule of law and the sanctity of the legal profession,” Osigwe said.
The NBA emphasized that libel is no longer a criminal offence under Lagos State law.
According to the association, the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011 repealed the criminalization of defamation, aligning with international best practices that classify defamation as a civil matter.
“We must reiterate that the alleged offence of libel, for which Dele Farotimi was reportedly arrested, is not recognized as a criminal offence under the laws of Lagos State,” the statement read.
The NBA also referenced a 2021 Supreme Court decision in Aviomoh v. Commissioner of Police & Anor, where Justice Helen Ogunwumiju affirmed that defamation ceased to be a criminal offence following the enactment of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011.
“This authoritative pronouncement leaves no room for doubt,” Osigwe added.
The NBA accused the police of acting beyond their legal authority by arresting Farotimi for an alleged non-criminal matter.
It cited the Police Act, 2020, which limits law enforcement actions to recognized criminal offences.
“Arresting individuals for non-criminal matters, such as defamation in Lagos State, is not only unlawful but also a blatant violation of the principles of legality and the rule of law,” the statement said.
The NBA also condemned the reported invasion of Farotimi’s law firm, describing it as an attack on the constitutional rights of lawyers and their clients.
“Of equal concern is the reported invasion of Dele Farotimi’s law firm and the harassment of lawyers and staff within the premises.
Reports that phones were confiscated from lawyers and staff during this invasion highlight a severe disregard for the sanctity of legal practice and the constitutional rights of individuals,” Osigwe stated.
The NBA demanded Farotimi’s immediate release and called for an investigation into the alleged misconduct by the police.
The association insisted that those responsible be held accountable and urged law enforcement agencies to prioritize fairness and respect for human rights in their operations.
“The legal profession is a cornerstone of justice and democracy, and any attempt to undermine its independence is a direct assault on the rule of law,” Osigwe said.
A couple, Baba Sule Abubakar Sadiq and Hafsat Kabir Lawal, along with two accomplices, Abdullahi Bala and Ladani Akindele, have been arraigned before Justice Amina Bello of the Kaduna State High Court on charges of fraud, money laundering, and stealing totaling N197,750,000.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) brought the defendants before the court on Monday, March 9, 2025, on a six-count charge.
They are accused of conspiring to defraud victims by impersonating the wife of the Katsina State Governor, Fatima Dikko Radda, and offering fake foreign exchange deals.
According to the EFCC, Hafsat Kabir Lawal allegedly posed as the Katsina First Lady to lure victims into fraudulent currency exchange transactions.
READ ALSO: Tragic End: Abducted Catholic Priest Killed In Kaduna
Using SIM cards registered under the name “Fatima Dikko Radda” on True Caller, she reportedly contacted a bureau de change operator, Aminu Usman, and convinced him to transfer N89 million in exchange for $53,300.
Investigators further revealed that another victim was defrauded of N108 million under a similar scheme involving a supposed exchange of $118,300.
The funds were allegedly deposited into the bank account of the third defendant, Abdullahi Bala, before being laundered and shared among the conspirators.
Hafsat’s husband, Sadiq, is accused of providing the SIM cards used in the fraud. He allegedly enlisted the help of Ladani Akindele, a former bank colleague, to secure the contact details of Unity Bank Chairman Hafiz Bashir. The contact was then used to gain the trust of the victims.
When the charges were read, all four defendants pleaded not guilty. Prosecution counsel Bright C. Ogbonna requested a trial date and urged the court to remand them in a correctional facility.
Defense counsels, led by M.S. Katu (SAN), argued for bail, stating they had already filed applications.
However, the prosecution opposed the requests, stating that the applications were not yet ready for hearing. When the defense requested an oral bail application, Justice Bello ruled in favor of the prosecution and ordered the defendants to remain in custody.
The case was adjourned to March 17, 2025, for the hearing of bail applications.
The suspects were initially arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) before being handed over to the EFCC when the case was determined to be financial in nature.
The EFCC has vowed to ensure that justice is served in the case, emphasizing the need for vigilance against fraudulent schemes involving high-profile impersonation.
A Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Wuse Zone 6, Abuja, has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of controversial social media activist, Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), over allegations of criminal defamation.
The arrest order, issued on Thursday by Magistrate Emmanuel Iyana, follows a criminal defamation case brought against VDM by renowned gospel singer Mercy Chinwo.
READ ALSO: Only A Fool Would Destroy What God Has Built – EeZeeTee Fires Back At Mercy Chinwo
The court mandated the Nigeria Police Force and other law enforcement agencies to apprehend the activist and present him before the court to face the allegations.
VDM was accused of making defamatory statements about Chinwo on social media, alleging her involvement in a contractual dispute and the diversion of $345,000 linked to her former record label boss, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, also known as Eezee Tee.
Chinwo, who denied the claims, presented documentary evidence—including emails and payment receipts—to support her innocence.
Despite being summoned by the court to appear on March 5, VDM failed to honor the directive.
His counsel, Mr. Deji Adeyanju, pleaded with the court to allow him to produce his client at the next adjourned date, but the magistrate declined and upheld the arrest order.
The prosecution, led by Mr. Pelumi Olajengbesi, argued that VDM’s actions violated Section 391 of the Penal Code and Section 24(1)(B) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015.
In addition to the criminal case, Chinwo has also filed a separate N1.1 billion lawsuit against VDM at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
She is seeking a court order compelling him to retract his statements, delete all defamatory posts, and issue a public apology.
With the rise of fraudulent investment schemes preying on unsuspecting Nigerians, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has issued a strong warning about the activities of 58 unregistered companies defrauding citizens under the guise of investment opportunities.
In a statement on Tuesday, the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, revealed that these companies operate without approval from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) or the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), making their activities illegal.
The anti-graft agency disclosed that legal action has already been taken against several of these entities, with five convictions secured and another five suspects pleading guilty while awaiting further judicial proceedings.
READ ALSO: EFCC Grills Ex-Minister Uju Ohanenye Over ₦138m Fraud Allegations
Many more cases are still pending arraignment.
“To protect Nigerians from financial exploitation, the EFCC is drawing public attention to 58 companies masquerading as investment firms but deceiving innocent investors,” the statement read.
According to the EFCC, the following companies have been identified as fraudulent investment platforms: Wales Kingdom Capital, Bethseida Group of Companies, AQM Capital Limited, Titan Multibusiness Investment Limited, Brickwall Global Investment Limited, Farmforte Limited & Agro Partnership Tech, Green Eagles Agribusiness Solution Limited, Richfield Multiconcepts Limited, Forte Asset Management Limited, Biss Networks Nigeria Limited, S Mobile Netzone Limited, Pristine Mobile Network, Letsfarm Integrated Services, Bara Finance & Investment Limited, Vicampro Farms Limited, Brooks Network Limited, Gas Station Supply Services Limited, Brass & Books Limited,
Others includes; Annexation Biz Concept & Maitanbuwal Global Ventures, Crowdyvest Limited, Jadek Agro Connect Limited, Adeeva Capital Limited, Oxford International Group & Oxford Gold Integrated, Skapomah Global Limited, MBA Trading & Capital Investment Limited, TRJ Company Limited, Farm4Me Agriculture Limited, Quintessential Investment Company, Adeprinz Global Enterprises, Rockstar Establishment Limited, SU.Global Investment, Citi Trust Funding PLC, Farm Buddy, Eatrich 369 Farms & Food, Globertrot Farmsponsors Nigeria Limited, Farm Sponsors Limited, Cititrust Credit Limited, Farmfunded Agroservices Limited, Adamakin Investment & Works Limited, Cititrust Holding PLC, Green Eagles Agribusiness Solutions Limited, Chinmark Homes & Shelters Limited, Emerald Farms & Consultant Limited, Ovaioza Farm Produce Storage Limited,
Additionally, Farm 360 & Agriculture Company, Requid Technologies Limited, West Agro Agriculture & Food Processing Limited, NISL Ventures Limited & Estate of Laolu Martins, XY Connect Investment Limited, River Branch Unique Investment Limited, Hallmark Capital Limited, CJC Markets Limited, Crowd One Investment, Farmkart Foods Limited, KD Likemind Stakeholders Limited, Holibiz Finance Limited, Ifeanyi Okpe Oil & Gas Services, Servapps Nigeria Limited were also listed.
The EFCC warned that these firms lure investors with promises of unrealistic returns, only to defraud them.
Nigerians were urged to verify investment opportunities with the CBN and SEC before committing funds.
The commission also encouraged victims of these schemes to come forward with complaints, assuring them that efforts were ongoing to recover lost funds where possible.
“The EFCC remains committed to creating a safe and corruption-free financial environment. We strongly advise the public to conduct due diligence before investing in any financial scheme,” the statement concluded.
Tinubu Not To Blame For North’s Challenges – Ex-Kaduna Speaker
Lagos To Shut Independence/Mekwen Bridge For Two Months
Ondo State To Employ 1,100 Primary School Teachers
Tragedy In Ogun: Police Inspector Found Dead At Factory
