The Nigerian-American Coalition for Justice and Democracy (NACJD) has issued a powerful condemnation of the recent arrest of Comrade Dele Farotimi in Lagos State, Nigeria, labeling the action as a blatant abuse of police authority and a direct affront to the rule of law.
In a press release from its secretariat, NACJD described the operation as reminiscent of Gestapo tactics, emphasizing that the charges against Farotimi—allegations of libel—are unfounded as libel is not classified as a criminal offense under the Criminal Law of Lagos State, enacted in 2011. This selective enforcement of the law raises serious questions about the integrity of the judicial system in Nigeria and the motives behind such arrests.
NACJD has called upon Mr. Adeniran Akinwale to clarify whether he or Mr. Tony Elumelu, chairman of the UBA Group, would face similar punitive measures if a petition were filed against them. “This selective application of the law reeks of oppression and impunity,” the statement asserted, highlighting the disparity in treatment between powerful figures and ordinary citizens.
The coalition has also drawn attention to a troubling trend in Nigeria, where the police force appears to be utilized as a weapon against dissent. Prominent figures from various sectors, including politics, music, and business, who collaborate with law enforcement to suppress dissenting voices and violate citizens’ rights are warned that NACJD is prepared to leverage international mechanisms to hold them accountable.
“The Nigerian Police Force must remember its constitutional duty to serve the people, not to act as a tool for settling personal grievances,” NACJD stated. The coalition expressed its deep concern that if these abuses continue, Nigerians might feel compelled to defend themselves by any means necessary against law enforcement and their civilian collaborators.
NACJD is demanding the immediate release of Comrade Dele Farotimi along with a public apology from the authorities. The coalition is also calling for an end to the criminalization of civil matters in Nigeria and urges the Nigerian Police to realign with the law and cease any further acts of repression.
As the situation develops, NACJD remains committed to advocating for justice and democracy in Nigeria, standing firm against oppression in all its forms.
