Operatives of the Nigerian police stormed the Lagos office of human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi, and seized devices belonging to his staff, whisking him away under questionable circumstances.
The footage, seen by The Bureau Newspaper, showed armed officers storming the premises in what has been described as a “Gestapo-style” raid.
However, they proceeded to confiscate phones and other gadgets from the office staff before taking Farotimi, who was dressed in white, without presenting any formal invitation or warrant.
The Nigeria Bar Association had raised concerns about the legality of the operation, while the association declared that the actions of the police violated due process and constitutional protections.
Farotimi, known for his outspoken criticism of human rights abuses and advocacy for justice in Nigeria, had reportedly not received any prior notice or charges before the raid.
Farotimi was earlier taken to Ekiti State by the police officers who arrested him, following a raid on his residence in Lagos State.
It was gathered that the arrest, conducted based on a petition by legal luminary, Chief Afe Babalola (SAN), was over the allegations of cybercrime.
The Bureau Newspaper had learnt that after Farotimi’s arrest in Lagos, the Nigerian police drove him to Ekiti State by road.
Nigerian human rights activist and 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, had condemned the arrest, describing it as illegal.
Sowore stated that the incident was orchestrated by one of Nigeria’s most senior lawyers, Afe Babalola (SAN).
Sowore, said, “I just spoke with Kunle Akinwale, the Commissioner of Nigeria Police Force Ekiti State Command. He admits that they arrested Dele Farotimi and that he’s being driven from Lagos to Ekiti by road.
“I told him categorically that this constituted an abuse of Police powers and that this civil case should not have warranted police intervention.”
Sowore added, “When he admitted to me that they were driving him from Lagos, I asked him repeatedly, “ Did he kill someone?”
“He even said he was still under investigation for “cybercrime.” this illegal arrest was staged by one of Nigeria’s most senior lawyers, Afe Babalola, SAN.
“This is just despicable. #FreeDeleFarotimi Now!”
The family of human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi had earlier cried out over his whereabouts since he was arrested by the Nigerian police at Zone 2 in Lagos following a petition.
Speaking with The Bureau Newspaper, the activist’s family had said he had been driven somewhere outside Lagos by the police operatives.
“Dele Farotimi’s Whereabout is unknown since his arrest. He was driven somewhere outside Lagos,” The Bureau Newspaper was told by family sources.