Nigeria, Dec. 4 -- The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned the arrest of Dele Farotimi - a writer, lawyer, and rights advocate, by the Nigeria Police Force over allegations of libel.

The NBA also slammed the police over the arrest of the advocate in Lagos state where "libel is not a criminal offense."

The NBA also condemned the reported invasion of Mr Farotimi's law firm and the harassment of lawyers and staff.

"These actions constitute a troubling breach of the rule of law and the sanctity of the legal profession," the NBA said Tuesday night in a statement issued by its President, Afam Osigwe, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

Mr Farotimi's arrest followed a petition sent to the police in Ekiti State by a renowned lawyer, Afe Ba...