Defamation no longer a classified criminal law, release Farotimi Immediately – NUJ ex-president, Ogundipe

According to Comrade Lanre Ogundipe, a former president of the African Union of Journalists (AUJ) and Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), defamation is no longer a crime in Lagos State.

Such a problem can be handled without frightening the individual or parties concerned, according to Ogundipe.

He said this in response to the police detention of human rights campaigner Dele Farotimi.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Ogundipe stated that defamation was no longer a crime in Lagos as of 2011.

With this violation, I hereby demand that Mr. Farotimi be immediately and unconditionally released from police custody.

The Nigerian police’s invasion and detention of human rights activist Dele Farotimi on the basis of an unsubstantiated accusation of defamation is unfair and goes against the natural justice concept.

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Defamation is no longer a classified criminal offense, and the matter can be settled without needlessly scaring the other party by breaking into his workplace and making him leave.

“Dele Farotimi’s fundamental rights have been violated by the police action, which is oppressive and a misuse of power.

“In Lagos State, defamation is no longer a crime. In Lagos, the law was decriminalized in 2011.

“In order to prevent Dele’s arrest, the police legal department did not fulfill its obligation to provide its operational agents with comprehensive advice regarding the state’s legal situation.

“With this violation, I hereby demand that Mr. Farotimi be released unconditionally from police custody without further delay,” he stated.