Pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has condemned the alleged abduction of legal practitioner and activist Dele Farotimi by Nigerian police operatives. Farotimi, a member of Afenifere’s National Caucus, was reportedly taken from his Lagos office over claims of defamatory comments against Chief Afe Babalola, SAN, in his recent book.

In a statement signed by Deputy Leader Oba Oladipo Olaitan and National Publicity Secretary Justice Faloye, Afenifere described the incident as undemocratic and unacceptable. The group emphasized that defamation is a civil, not criminal, matter and criticized the police for employing what it termed “Gestapo-style” tactics.

Afenifere demanded Farotimi’s immediate release or arraignment, warning against alleged plans to detain him for an extended period using legal technicalities. The group called on Nigerians and democracy advocates to resist what it described as “habitual crude and uncivilized tactics” by law enforcement.

“These actions undermine democratic principles and treat citizens’ rights with blatant disregard,” the statement read.