In Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, a Magistrate’s Court yesterday denied bail to Dele Farotimi, a detained human rights activist, who was arrested in Lagos and transferred to Ekiti. Farotimi faces 16 charges of defamation against Chief Afe Babalola, SAN, regarding accusations in his book, Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System, where he alleges that Babalola influenced Supreme Court judges through corruption. Farotimi pleaded not guilty to all charges.
During the court session, the police prosecutor requested Farotimi’s remand in prison pending further investigation, while his defense counsel sought bail, invoking the presumption of innocence. The defense argued that no constitutional grounds exist to deny bail, citing provisions in the Nigerian Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. However, police counsel raised objections, arguing that Farotimi’s lawyer, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN, should not represent him in the inferior court, pointing to a previous legal decision which limits SANs’ representation in such cases.
Despite this, another lawyer, Taiwo Adeniji, took over from Olumide-Fusika and requested bail, emphasizing the bailable nature of Farotimi’s offenses. The police counsel contested the bail application, calling it legally flawed. The presiding magistrate, Abayomi Adeosun, adjourned the decision on the bail application to December 20, following disagreements between the legal representatives.
Outside the courtroom, tensions rose as supporters of both Farotimi and Afe Babalola clashed, accusing the court of violating legal standards. Farotimi’s supporters pledged to continue protesting in Lagos, demanding his release.
Atiku Abubakar Reacts to Farotimi’s Detention
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar condemned Farotimi’s detention, describing it as a stark reflection of Nigeria’s culture of impunity. In a tweet, Atiku stated that Farotimi, a vocal human rights advocate, is imprisoned not for any crime but for exposing uncomfortable truths about the government. He also criticized the alleged misuse of cyberbullying laws to silence opposition voices, especially those challenging the government. Atiku urged Nigerian leaders to honor their constitutional oaths to protect citizens’ rights and ensure justice.
Seadogs Confraternity Condemns Human Rights Abuses
The National Association of Seadogs (NAS), also known as the Pyrates Confraternity, expressed concerns over the rising cases of human rights abuses in Nigeria, particularly the detention of Farotimi. During a World Human Rights Day march in Jos, Plateau State, the group emphasized the need for greater public awareness of human rights and the government’s responsibility to safeguard them. They condemned Farotimi’s arrest and criticized the steep N50 million bail condition, calling it excessive and unjust. The NAS urged the government to revise its approach to human rights and to prevent further violations.
This ongoing case and the related protests highlight growing concerns over the abuse of power and the suppression of dissenting voices in Nigeria, especially in the context of human rights and free speech.
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