The Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, has condemned in strong terms the arrest of a lawyer, Dele Farotimi, by the Nigeria Police Force over allegations bordering on libel.

A statement by the NBA President, Afam Osigwe, on Tuesday night in Abuja, lamented the alleged invasion of Farotimi’s law firm and the harassment of lawyers and staff within the premises.

Osigwe described the action of the Nigeria police as a troubling breach of the rule of law and the sanctity of the legal profession.

He said while the Nigeria Police Force had the authority to investigate crimes, such power must be exercised within the confines of the law and in respect of offences recognised under Nigerian law.

He was allegedly picked up from his residence in Lagos and whisked to Ado, the Ekiti State capital, where he is currently being questioned.

His arrest has been attracting condemnation from many prominent Nigerians.