Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the pan-Yoruba group, Afenifere, have condemned the arrest and detention of human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi by the police in Ekiti State.
Farotimi, who is facing charges of defamation and cyberbullying, was arraigned in Ado Ekiti on Monday for allegedly accusing prominent lawyer Aare Afe Babalola (SAN) of influencing the Supreme Court. The accusations are detailed in his book, Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System.
An Ekiti Chief Magistrate’s Court ordered Farotimi to be remanded in Ado Ekiti Correctional Centre and scheduled his bail hearing for December 10, 2024. The court cited the defense counsel’s failure to present new evidence as part of its decision.
Atiku’s Response
In a statement, Atiku Abubakar condemned the police’s actions, likening them to the oppressive methods used during military dictatorships. He argued that defamation is a civil matter and should not warrant police intervention.
“The arrest and detention of Dele Farotimi highlight a disturbing return to tyranny, where freedom of expression is being silenced,” Atiku stated. He also warned that such incidents could signal an agenda to suppress dissent and promote a one-party state.
Afenifere’s Stand
Afenifere, through its General Secretary, Chief Sola Ebiseni, criticized the court’s refusal to grant bail, emphasizing that defamation is a bailable offense. Ebiseni also questioned the court’s discretion, given Farotimi’s health challenges.
“It is unjust to deny bail for an offense like defamation, especially when the accused has demonstrated no threat to public safety,” Ebiseni remarked.
Farotimi pleaded not guilty to all charges and continues to await his bail application hearing. His legal team insists that he is innocent until proven guilty and has highlighted his reputation as a lawyer and his health concerns as reasons for bail.
Stay tuned for updates as the case unfolds.
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