Activist Aisha Yesufu has called for the release of human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi following his arrest by the police.

Yesufu expressed concern over the actions of the police, who are known to be used as a weapon of oppression against many Nigerians.

Taking to her social media page, Yesufu wrote, “What the heck is going on? Mr Dele Farotimi @DeleFarotimi arrested by police and whereabouts unknown? @PoliceNG when will you stop being a weapon of oppression?

“They want to silence voices #FreeDeleFarotimiNow,” she wrote.

The Social and Economic Rights Accountability Project, SERAP, has also called on President Bola Tinubu to release activist Dele Farotimi.

SERAP warned the Nigerian government against using criminal defamation laws to turn critics into criminals.

Posting on X, SERAP wrote: “BREAKING: The Tinubu administration must immediately release activist Dele Farotimi who is reportedly arrested for alleged defamation.

“Nigerian authorities should not be using criminal defamation laws to turn critics into criminals and undermine freedom of expression.”

Earlier today, Tuesday, December 3, 2024, Farotimi issued a statement indicating threats to his life and alleging that some legal entities are collaborating with powerful Nigerians and law enforcement agencies to attack him.