Operatives of the Nigerian Police Force have reportedly detained human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi over allegations of defaming Tony Elumelu, the Chief Executive Officer of the United Bank for Africa (UBA).

The arrest was disclosed by Omoyele Sowore, the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), in a post on his X account on Tuesday. According to Sowore, Elumelu filed a petition accusing Farotimi of defamation.

Sowore condemned the arrest, urging the police to release Farotimi immediately and cautioning against the misuse of law enforcement for personal grievances.

He wrote, “I just learned that Dele Farotimi was arrested by the Nigerian Police over a petition by Tony Elumelu of UBA Group alleging defamation. The Nigerian police must understand that their institution cannot continue to be used to settle personal scores. We, the citizens of Nigeria, will no longer tolerate such actions. The police at Zone 2 in Lagos are advised to release Barrister Dele Farotimi immediately.”