By John Ogunsemore
The Nigeria Police Force has arrested a lawyer and activist, Dele Farotimi.
A former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore confirmed Farotimi’s arrest in an X post on Tuesday.
Sowore said the activist was arrested following a petition filed by billionaire businessman, Tony Elumelu.
“I just learned that Dele Farotimi was arrested by the Nigerian Police over a petition by Tony Elumelu of UBA Group alleging Dele defamed him.
“It is pertinent that the Nigerian police are notified that the institution cannot continue to be used to settle personal scores, and we, the citizens of Nigeria, would no longer tolerate such a situation.
“Therefore, the police at Zone 2 in Lagos are advised to release Barrister Dele Farotimi immediately,” he said.
In an X post on Tuesday, Farotimi disclosed that the Zone 2 Police Command invited him on November 11 to report to the station on November 13.
He said he reported at the station as requested in company of his legal counsel and was confronted with a petition written by a lawyer to Elumelu, which accused him of defaming the billionaire.
He said he was subsequently released on bail on self-recognisance and asked to return on Thursday, November 21.
Farotimi said he reported to the station again with his legal counsel on November 21 and was permitted to leave.
The Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi could not be reached for comments.