In a significant development, human rights lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi has been remanded in prison following his arraignment before an Ekiti State Magistrate Court. This decision comes amid serious allegations of defamation against prominent legal figure Afe Babalola, founder of Afe Babalola University, who claims that Farotimi’s recent book maligns his character.
Arrest and Charges
Farotimi was arrested on December 3, 2024, by operatives of the Ekiti State Police Command in Lagos. The police acted on a petition alleging that he had defamed Babalola in his book titled Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System. The book reportedly contains accusations against Babalola regarding corruption within the judiciary, suggesting that he procured favourable judgements, which could expose him to public contempt and ridicule.
During his court appearance on December 4, Farotimi faced 16 counts of defamation. He pleaded not guilty to all charges, asserting that the allegations were baseless. Despite his defence counsel, Dayo Akeredolu, arguing for bail on self-recognisance or liberal terms—emphasising that Farotimi poses no threat to society—the presiding magistrate, Abayomi Adeosun, denied the bail application. The court ordered Farotimi to remain in custody until the next hearing scheduled for December 10.
Reactions and Criticism
The remand of Dele Farotimi has sparked widespread criticism from various quarters, including fellow activists and legal practitioners. Omoyele Sowore, the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), took to social media to express his outrage over what he described as a “hurried prosecution.” He accused the judicial system of being complicit in a plot to silence dissenting voices like Farotimi’s.
Femi Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, also condemned the arrest as illegal, pointing out that Lagos State has decriminalised defamation. He called for Farotimi’s immediate release and criticised the motivations behind the charges.
Context of the Arrest
This incident is not an isolated event for Farotimi. In previous statements, he had voiced concerns about potential threats to his safety from law enforcement and influential individuals in Nigeria. Just days before his arrest, he expressed fears of being targeted by police following an invitation he received from the Zone 2 Police Command in Lagos.
Farotimi’s activism has often placed him at odds with powerful figures in Nigeria. His outspoken criticism of government policies and judicial corruption has made him a prominent voice for human rights in the country. As he remains in custody pending further hearings, the legal community and human rights advocates are closely monitoring developments. The upcoming court date on December 10 will be crucial in determining not only Farotimi’s fate but also the broader implications for activists and dissenters in Nigeria’s political landscape.
By Joseph Johnston,
Youth Editor,
Egogonews Hub
