The National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity) has condemned the recent arrest and detention of human rights activist and lawyer Dele Farotimi, who is facing allegations of defamation against Aare Afe Babalola, founder of Afe Babalola University.
The group criticized the actions of the police and judiciary, labeling them as an abuse of the rule of law and reminiscent of Nigeria's military past.
Farotimi was remanded in prison by an Ado-Ekiti Magistrate Court on December 4, 2024, with a hearing scheduled for December 10. In a statement titled “Enough is Enough! This Harassment, Intimidation of Innocent Citizens Must Stop Now,” Dr. Joseph Oteri, the association's Capn, highlighted the invasion of Farotimi's law firm and the harassment of his staff as violations of their constitutional rights.
The NAS demanded Farotimi's unconditional release, expressing concern over systemic flaws in Nigeria’s governance and law enforcement.
They noted that while citizens are still grappling with the imprisonment and mistreatment of minors protesting against hunger, another incident has emerged that disregards human rights.
The group pointed out that defamation is typically a civil matter under Nigerian law, emphasizing that law enforcement should not be used as a tool for personal or political vendettas.
The association also criticized the police for failing to address ongoing threats to Farotimi's life and harassment faced by his associates, accusing them of siding with vested interests instead.
They expressed alarm over the transformation of a civil issue into a criminal case and condemned the intimidation tactics employed against Farotimi.
NAS warned that such impunity undermines public trust in law enforcement and exacerbates the disconnect between the government and its citizens.
They called on Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun to take immediate action to ensure accountability within law enforcement agencies.
