The decision by the Ekiti State Police Command to prohibit protests calling for the release of human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi has sparked widespread outrage among activists. Despite police warnings citing security concerns, activists have vowed to proceed with their demonstrations on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, and have extended their plans to Lagos, Abuja, and even the United Kingdom.
Farotimi’s arrest stems from a defamation petition filed by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Chief Afe Babalola. The lawyer had accused Babalola of influencing the Supreme Court to secure favorable judgments for his clients, as detailed in his book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System. Farotimi’s legal team has filed a bail application, which is set to be heard on the same day as the planned protests.
Legal and Public Outcry
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned Farotimi’s arrest, pointing out that defamation was decriminalized under the Criminal Law of Lagos State in 2011. The association cited a 2021 Supreme Court judgment in Aviomoh v. Commissioner of Police & Anor as precedent, arguing that criminal defamation is no longer recognized under Nigerian law.
Public figures and organizations have also joined the call for Farotimi’s release. Among them is Omoyele Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), who is mobilizing global protests to demand justice.
Protest Plans
Sowore announced the protest venues via X (formerly Twitter), urging Nigerians to join in demanding Farotimi’s immediate release.
Abuja: Ministry of Justice and Federal High Court
Ekiti State: Police Headquarters, Ado-Ekiti
Lagos: Afe Babalola Chambers, Emmanuel House, Plot 1, Block 4, CMD/Jubilee Road, Magodo GRA
London: King’s College London, Strand, WC2R 2LS
The protests will commence at 7:00 AM West African Time, with buses provided for participants traveling from outside Ado-Ekiti.
Police Response
In a statement, Ekiti State Police Command spokesperson DSP Sunday Abutu justified the ban on protests, citing intelligence reports that some groups might exploit the demonstrations to incite violence. “Any form of unlawful gathering, demonstration, or protest is unacceptable,” Abutu stated.
However, activists remain undeterred, arguing that peaceful protests are a constitutional right. They are calling on Nigerians to seize this opportunity to challenge what they describe as the illegal detention and trial of Farotimi.
Hashtags and Solidarity
The hashtag #FreeDeleFarotimiNow is gaining traction on social media as supporters amplify their calls for justice. Activists have framed the protests as a broader fight against perceived injustices within Nigeria’s judiciary system.
Farotimi’s detention continues to draw national and international attention, setting the stage for what could be a landmark protest against judicial and law enforcement practices in Nigeria.
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