Two weeks after Farotimi’s arrest, another Obidient arrested over allegation of fraud

Barely two weeks after Mr Dele Farotimi, a notable member of the Obidient movement was arrested, another member of the group, Mr Joe Paul, has been arrested by the police over an allegation of fraud.

On December 3, rights lawyer, Farotimi was arrested by the Ekiti State Police Command in Lagos and subsequently arraigned over alleged defamation of character in his book: ‘Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System’ where he alleged that, among others, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Afe Babalola, had compromised the Supreme Court.

In a similar development, Paul, a radio host and rights activist, has been arrested by Zone 6 Police Zonal Command, Calabar, over obtaining money under false pretences among other allegations.

A statement by Spokesman of the Command, SP Nelson Okpabi, however, dismissed reports that Paul was arrested on trumped-up allegations, adding that he would appear before the court on Monday, December 16, 2024.

Okpabi stated: “Mr Osowo is currently in lawful custody at the Zone 6 Police facility following a court order. His detention relates to an ongoing investigation into allegations of fraud and obtaining money under false pretenses, as contained in a petition submitted by his cousin.

“Mr Osowo has been duly served with the court charge sheet in the presence of his legal counsel and is scheduled to appear before the court on Monday, December 16, 2024. Contrary to the allegations of misconduct, the Zone 6 Police Headquarters wishes to reaffirm its commitment to professional and ethical standards in handling this case.

“The investigation is being conducted transparently and in accordance with due process. The attention of the Zone 6 Police Headquarters has been drawn to a circulating report claiming that a journalist/radio host, human rights activist, government critic, and a prominent figure in the Obedient Movement has been arrested by the Nigeria Police Zone 6 on trumped-up allegations.

“This assertion is misleading and necessitates clarification to present the accurate position of events and to correct any misinformation being disseminated on social media platforms, including the X handle of the individual in question, Mr JoePaul Obi Osowo.

“For the record, Mr Osowo is currently in lawful custody at the Zone 6 Police facility following a court order. His detention relates to an ongoing investigation into allegations of fraud and obtaining money under false pretenses, as contained in a petition submitted by his cousin.