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.
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“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According to the association, the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011 repealed the criminalization of defamation, aligning with international best practices that classify defamation as a civil matter.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.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the alleged terrorism financing and illegal firearms possession case involving former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz Malami, until April 15 and 16.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik granted the adjournment on Tuesday after the prosecution requested more time to prepare for the trial.
During the court session, lead prosecuting counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), informed the court that he had only recently been assigned to handle the case and needed additional time to consult with witnesses.
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“I got the instruction to take over the prosecution of the case on Monday and so I need time to interface with the witnesses,” Kehinde told the court while asking for a new hearing date.
Counsel for the defendants, Shuaibu Arua (SAN), did not oppose the request for adjournment.
Following the application, Justice Abdulmalik granted the request and fixed April 15 and 16 for the continuation of the trial.
The Department of State Services (DSS) had earlier arraigned the former justice minister and his son on a five-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms.
According to the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/63/2026, Malami was accused of allegedly aiding terrorism financing by failing to prosecute suspected financiers whose case files were reportedly forwarded to him while he served as Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
The defendants were also accused of illegally storing firearms and ammunition at their residence located in Gesse Phase II Area of Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area of Kebbi State without lawful authority.
Items allegedly recovered include a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 Redstar AAA 5’20 live cartridges, and 27 expended Redstar AAA 5’20 cartridges.
The alleged offences are said to violate provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, as well as the Firearms Act, 2004.
The trial is expected to continue in April when the court begins full hearing of the case.
A routine patrol by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has led to the recovery of a stolen vehicle in Lagos and the exposure of a wanted driver, highlighting the importance of proper vehicle documentation and cooperation with authorities.
The incident occurred at the RS2.1114 Isolo Unit Command, where officers stopped an ash-coloured Toyota Sienna bearing registration number LSD438GK for a Vehicle Licence Violation (VLV) on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at about 5:11 p.m.
While the driver initially failed to present valid documents, further checks revealed the vehicle had been reported stolen and the driver was already declared wanted.
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The suspect was subsequently handed over in handcuffs to the Nigeria Police Force, Ajao Division, for further action.
The FRSC credited the recovery to the National Vehicle Identification Scheme (NVIS), a digital framework that strengthens vehicle verification and tracking.
The scheme has reportedly helped identify, trace, and recover numerous stolen vehicles nationwide, while curbing criminal syndicates involved in vehicle theft and identity manipulation.
In a statement, Assistant Corps Marshal Olusegun Ogungbemide stressed that enforcement is not only about traffic compliance but also crime prevention and public safety, urging motorists to always carry valid documentation and cooperate with patrol officers.
Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed commended the Isolo team for their vigilance, affirming the FRSC’s commitment to leveraging technology, intelligence, and strategic partnerships to protect lives and property on Nigerian roads.
A major election scandal unfolded on Saturday in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as security agents apprehended a young woman in the Kabusa area for allegedly possessing 20 voter cards during the ongoing area council elections.
The woman, dressed in a black shirt and red trousers with a white scarf, was intercepted at Polling Unit 001 in Kabusa Primary School.
She was immediately escorted into a police van by security personnel, raising concerns about the integrity of the election process.
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Meanwhile, the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, was on the ground monitoring the elections.
He visited several polling units, including the Karu Chief’s Palace, to interact with adhoc staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and assess voter turnout.
Wike reportedly inquired about the progress of the voting and the challenges faced by election officials.
This incident comes amid reports of low voter turnout and other electoral irregularities in parts of Abuja, underscoring ongoing concerns about electoral security and transparency in the FCT area council elections.
Authorities have assured that investigations are ongoing, and the suspect may face legal action pending further verification of her actions.
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