society
Ekiti CP defends Farotimi’s arrest in Lagos
Ekiti CP defends Farotimi’s arrest in Lagos
The Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Mr Adeniran Akinwale, has defended the arrest of the Lagos-based human rights activist, Dele Farotimi for alleged cyberbullying and defamation.
In an interview with our correspondent on Tuesday, Akinwale said the alleged offences committed by Farotimi included “defamation of character, cyberstalking and other things” noting that those two allegations were “fully established.”
He said, “We are investigating him (Farotimi). If the suspect is arrested, we will bring him for investigation. We will conduct our investigation and will be able to know his level of culpability or otherwise.”
Reacting to the arrest in a telephone conversation with our correspondent on Tuesday, the Director General of the Labour Party presidential campaign council, Akin Osuntokun, condemned how the lawyer was arrested.
He expressed concerns about the alleged involvement of Chief Afe Babalola whom he described as an illustrious personality.
Osuntokun said, “I know Dele Farotimi as a junior I was a bit disturbed about the fact that the police commissioner in Ekiti state would come to Lagos to come and arrest someone about cybercrime which is always a euphemism for whatever grouse the police has. Chief Afe Babalola is an illustrious citizen of Nigeria, his name being attached to what has happened.
“I am sure that Babalola will not get involved in something like this. Something is missing somewhere. The method with which he was apprehended, I won’t know how that is consistent with due process.”
Meanwhile, the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress in the 2023 elections, Omoyele Sowore, condemned the arrest of Farotimi stressing that the process was undemocratic.
Sowore in a tweet on Tuesday demanded the release of the lawyer while noting that the police should avoid being used to settle personal scores.
He tweeted, “I just spoke with Kunle Akinwale, the Commissioner of @PoliceNG Ekiti State Command. He admits that they arrested @DeleFarotimi and that he’s being driven from Lagos to Ekiti by road.
“I told him categorically that this constituted an abuse of @PoliceNG’s powers and that this was a civil case that ought not to have warranted police intervention. 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.’
Recall that Farotimi had in a press statement on Monday accused some police operatives suspected to be from Ekiti of planning to arrest him over an issue regarding the content of a book he published.
He also alleged that the police deployed several antics that suggested an attempt to abduct him rather than invite him for questioning on any matter.
The statement read in part, “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. Now, this leads me to ask a question: if I faithfully attended the police station as invited, why not invite me in the same manner again?
“Assuming there is even a charge, it does not take a lawyer to point out that law enforcement officers going around arresting people connected to me and intimidating them is not the proper way to carry out a lawful arrest. So, I have good reason to be fearful for my life, my liberty, and even the well-being of those around me.”
PUNCH Online reported on Tuesday that Sowore had in a post on his X handle announced the arrest of Farotimi.
Sowore, who disclosed that Elumelu filed a petition accusing Farotimi of defamation, 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.”
Meanwhile, the Zone 2 Public Relations Officer, Umma Ayuba, in a telephone conversation with our correspondent on Tuesday, disclosed that contrary to claims that Farotimi was arrested by operatives of the Zone, the human rights lawyer was not in their custody.
She however confirmed that Farotimi was invited about two weeks ago over an allegation and that he honoured the invitation and was since released.
“I have checked our records, he is not in our custody. He was invited about two weeks ago and was released after honouring our invitation,” Ayuba said.
Tell Your Men To Obey Court, Alaka Landowners Appeal To IGP Disu
Landowners in the Alaka area of Lagos State have called on the newly appointed Inspector General of Police (IGP), Tunji Disu, to order the policemen stationed on their property to obey a subsisting court order directing the withdrawal of all security personnel from the site.
The landowners made the call on Wednesday, February 25, during an inspection visit to the land that saw them being threatened by armed policemen.
According to the landowners, they arrived at the property following a judicial directive ordering officers to leave the land and were in the process of inspecting their individual plots, taking photographs, recording videos, and discussing plans to commence development, only to be confronted by armed policemen who questioned their presence and issued threats to shoot at them.
Speaking to journalists, one of the landowners, Tolani Agbajobi, described the encounter as disturbing and insisted that the officers had no legal basis to remain on the land. He stressed that the police should respect the authority of the court and withdraw from the property without further delay.
Agbajobi said the inspection was a long-awaited opportunity for many landowners who had been denied access to the land for an extended period. He added that the continued presence of armed officers, despite a clear court order, undermines confidence in the rule of law and raises concerns about accountability within the security architecture.
He further questioned why policemen were still deployed on the land despite public statements by the immediate past Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, who had warned that police involvement in land recovery or related disputes was not part of the Force’s constitutional duties and would attract disciplinary action.
Calling for urgent intervention, Agbajobi appealed to the current Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, to enforce compliance with both court rulings and established police directives by ordering the immediate withdrawal of the officers from the site.
Another landowner, who identified himself simply as Samuel, also expressed concern over what he described as growing impunity, questioning how officers could continue occupying the land in defiance of a court order and clear instructions previously issued by the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force.
The landowners maintained that their demand was not confrontational but rooted in respect for the law, insisting that the police must act within their constitutional mandate and allow the courts to resolve civil land disputes without intimidation or unlawful interference.
OGUN 2027: ABIODUN ISIAQ AKINLADE – A CHANGER OF POLITICAL NARRATIVES IN OGUN WEST
The Chairman, House Committee on Agricultural Institutions and Colleges, member representing Yewa South/Ipokia Federal Constituency, Right Honorable Akinlade Abiodun Isiaq, remains a political patriot and a true changer of political narratives in Ogun West. Over the years, he has consistently invested in building people and nurturing future leaders, leaving behind a legacy centered on empowerment and human capital development.
There is no doubt that his political dynasty is a proudly made-in-Nigeria project. The foundation he laid and the blueprints he developed during his tenure as a four-term member of the House of Representatives continue to simplify governance and inspire developmental strides across his constituency and beyond.
His roadmap for development has remained a guiding compass toward achieving the Ogun State of his dreams, particularly in improving the lives of the people of Ogun West.
Unarguably, the true test of leadership lies in the number of leaders and successful individuals one has raised. By this standard, Hon. Akinlade stands tall. Many beneficiaries of his mentorship, empowerment initiatives, and strategic support testify to his enduring impact.
Having served diligently during the era of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), which later evolved into the All Progressives Congress (APC), his unmatched antecedents remain etched in the hearts of the people of Ogun West. He continues to serve as a dependable point of contact, known for his pragmatic and solution-driven approach to governance.
Hon. Akinlade has continually reshaped the political narrative in Ogun West through employment facilitation, empowerment programs, and sustained community engagement. His unwavering commitment to the welfare of his people demonstrates his belief that leadership is about service and impact.
As a man of vision and positive ambition for his people, his political journey and aspirations—especially his Governorship ambition—reflect his continued desire to serve at higher levels. With sustained support and collective commitment, the people of Ogun West can continue to reap the dividends of democracy under his leadership.
Daniel Topology De-Prof
society
Panic in Aso Rock Villa as Opposition Leaders Reject Tinubu’s Electoral Law, Announce Next Action
Panic in Aso Rock Villa as Opposition Leaders Reject Tinubu’s Electoral Law, Announce Next Action
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by saharaweeklyng.com
“Opposition coalition vows constitutional resistance, warns new electoral amendments could undermine 2027 polls.”
On 26 February 2026 in Abuja, opposition political parties triggered political turbulence inside the Aso Rock Presidential Villa after publicly *rejecting the recently amended Electoral Act 2026 signed into law by President Bola Tinubu. The rejection came during a high‑profile press conference where leaders described the new law as anti‑democratic and threatening to the integrity of the 2027 general elections.
The opposition, led by figures including former Vice‑President Atiku Abubakar, Ajuri Ahmed of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and other prominent voices, faulted key provisions of the Act; especially clauses allowing manual result collation and limiting real‑time electronic transmission of polling unit results. They argued the law could undermine transparency, deepen electoral manipulation and entrench the governing party’s advantage.
In response, the coalition called for the National Assembly to commence a fresh amendment process and vowed to use constitutional means to resist implementation of the legislation ahead of elections widely seen as decisive for Nigeria’s democratic future.
The confrontation has ignited heated debate among civil society, political analysts and within the ruling party, reflecting widening fault lines over electoral reform and democratic credibility in the run‑up to 2027.
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