Prominent Lawyer Dele Farotimi Raises Alarm Over Police Plot To Abduct Him

Dele Farotimi, a prominent Lagos-based lawyer, human rights activist and author of the book ‘Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System’, has raised concerns over attempts by the Nigeria Police Force to abduct him.

In a statement on Instagram on Monday, Farotimi detailed a series of events that began with an invitation from the Zone 2 Police Command.

On November 11, 2024, Farotimi received a letter requesting his presence at the station on November 13 regarding a defamation petition filed by Mr Tony Elumelu. He attended the meeting with his legal counsel, addressed the petition’s content, and was released on self-recognisance, with a follow-up scheduled for November 21.

Subsequently, Farotimi learned from Pastor Sam Aiyedogbon of Realm of Glory International Churches that police officers from the Ekiti State Command had allegedly abducted and coerced two pastors to lure him to the church for arrest. Despite his compliance with police invitations, Farotimi reported receiving suspicious messages and noted that his associates and domestic staff were being targeted and harassed.

He expressed concern over these unconventional tactics, emphasising his status as a law-abiding citizen.

He said:

“I must reiterate that I am a law-abiding citizen. I have consistently honoured every lawful invitation by the Nigeria Police Force. However, these recent developments targeting my associates, tracking my phone, and harassing innocent individuals are deeply concerning.”

It has therefore become clear, and it is no longer hidden, that there are policemen from the Ekiti State Police Command who are currently working out of Zone 2 Police Station on a mission to abduct me.

He questioned the necessity of such methods, especially given his willingness to honour lawful invitations, saying:

I have good reason to be fearful for my life, my personal liberty, and even the well-being of those around me, he said.

It will be recalled that in February 2021, Farotimi raised alarm that some individuals working for the state were threatening his life due to his stance on the October 2020 #EndSARS protests and his objection to the reopening of the Lekki Toll Gate while investigations were ongoing.

Farotimi, in his statement on Tuesday, said the police never once investigated these claims yet, the same police are now surreptitiously trying to abduct him outside the procedure of the law. He criticised the police’s approach as unjust and indicative of impunity.

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