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NBA Demands Release Of Dele Farotimi, Condemns Police Actions

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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According to the association, the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011 repealed the criminalization of defamation, aligning with international best practices that classify defamation as a civil matter.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.

 

 

Crime

Wife Dies in Ogun House Fire as Police Take 56-Year-Old Husband Into Custody

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Man Arrested For Burglary In Ogun Churches

The Ogun State Police Command has taken a 56-year-old man, Madarikan Emehinola, into custody in connection with a suspected arson incident that claimed the life of his 40-year-old wife, Igbagbo Erobe, in the Igbo-Edu area of Ogun Waterside Local Government Area.

The incident was reported at the Abigi Divisional Police Headquarters on Sunday, October 18, 2026, following information that a house had been set ablaze, resulting in the woman’s death.

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The Ogun State Police Command disclosed the development in a press release issued on Sunday, stating that the husband was in custody in connection with the incident.

The deceased’s body has been deposited at a mortuary for post-mortem examination to establish further details surrounding her death.

The police also disclosed that the case was being processed for transfer to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, Abeokuta, for further investigation.

The Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, CP Bode Ojajuni, psc, FCSS, MNIPR, assured the public that the matter would be investigated diligently and professionally in accordance with the law.

According to the statement, the commissioner assured the public that “the matter will be investigated diligently and professionally in accordance with the law.”

Ojajuni reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, stressing that allegations of serious crimes would receive appropriate investigative attention.

The command also called on members of the public to report suspicious activities promptly and provide credible information that could assist crime prevention and ongoing investigations.

“The Command urges members of the public to report suspicious activities promptly and provide credible information that may assist crime prevention and ongoing investigations,” the statement read.

The circumstances surrounding the fire and the alleged involvement of the husband remain subject to investigation.

 

 

 

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Crime

NDLEA Arrests 85-Year-Old Woman With 179kg of Cannabis in Edo

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Edo Cult Clash Leave 10 Dead In Three Days

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested an 85-year-old woman, Grace Ehimeka, after recovering 179 kilogrammes of skunk from her during anti-drug operations in Owan East Local Government Area of Edo State.

Ehimeka was among six suspects arrested during raids conducted by NDLEA operatives in the area as part of a series of nationwide operations targeting illicit drugs.

The operations in Edo State also led to the recovery of another 220.8 kilogrammes of skunk, alongside smaller quantities of cannabis and other controlled substances.

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The arrest was one of several recorded during the agency’s nationwide operations, which resulted in major drug seizures across multiple states.

In Lagos, the NDLEA seized 8,725 kilogrammes of tramadol hydrochloride powder worth over ₦6.98 billion at Apapa Port. The shipment, which originated from India, had been declared as maize starch.

The agency also intercepted cannabis concealed in palm oil at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport. The consignment was allegedly intended for Saudi Arabia, while two suspects were arrested in connection with the case.

In Ondo State, operatives destroyed an estimated 7,500 kilogrammes of skunk cultivated on three hectares of farmland and arrested five suspects.

Other seizures were recorded in Bauchi, Kano, Kaduna and the Federal Capital Territory, including large quantities of tramadol, Exol-5 tablets and cannabis.

The operations formed part of the NDLEA’s ongoing efforts to disrupt the trafficking and distribution of illicit drugs across the country.

 

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Crime

Bandits Kill 70-Year-Old Man in Katsina, 27 Victims Rescued

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A 70-year-old man, Alhaji Saleh Kasim, has been killed during a bandit attack on Gamji Village in Sabuwa Local Government Area of Katsina State, while 27 abducted residents have been rescued by security forces.

The Katsina State Government disclosed this in a press release issued on Saturday by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasir Mu’azu.

According to the statement, about 40 armed bandits, led by a suspected gang leader identified as Kachalla Alhaji Bawa Kabir, invaded the community in the early hours of October 16, 2026.

SEE ALSO: Two Suspected Bandits in Police Net in Katsina

The attackers reportedly arrived on 20 motorcycles, abducted 27 residents, mostly women, children and elderly people, and rustled six cows.

The government said Kasim was shot dead during the attack.

Following credible intelligence, troops of the 17 Brigade, working with local hunters and the Community Watch Corps, moved to block the attackers’ escape routes towards the Madaci forest enclave.

At about 6 p.m. on the same day, the troops engaged the bandits at Tashar Bawa forest and successfully rescued all 27 abducted residents.

The rescued victims were subsequently taken to the Machika Military Forward Operating Base for medical attention.

The statement added that joint security teams had commenced clearance operations to flush out the remaining members of the gang and prevent possible reprisal attacks on the community.

The Katsina State Government, under Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, reaffirmed its commitment to protecting residents across the state.

Mu’azu commended the troops and community-based security groups for their swift response to the incident.

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