By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
Operatives of the Nigerian Police Force have reportedly arrested human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi, over allegations of defaming the Chief Executive Officer of the United Bank for Africa, Tony Elumelu.
Farotimi’s arrest was revealed by the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, in a post on his X handle on Tuesday.
Sowore disclosed that Elumelu filed a petition accusing Farotimi of defamation.
He called for the lawyer’s immediate release, emphasising that the police should not be used to settle personal disputes.
Sowore wrote, “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.”
Full details of the report have not been heard. My consideration is that if the defamation does not involve a threat to life, his arrest should only be a mere invitation and release. Tony Elumelu has the right to approach the court to seek redress.