Human Rights Lawyer Dele Farotimi Denied Bail, Remanded in Ekiti Prison

Published on December 4, 2024

In a controversial turn of events, renowned human rights lawyer and social critic, Dele Farotimi who was as recently arrested and taken to Ekiti State, has been denied bail by a judge in Ado Ekiti

He was arrested on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, reportedly by officers of the Ekiti State Police Command without prior notification to the Lagos State authorities. The action of the security agency

which has sparked widespread condemnation from several Nigerians, has been described as a troubling breach of the rule of law and an attempt to stifle dissent.

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Farotimi, who was detained on allegations of defamation, was denied bail on Wednesday by a judge in Ado Ekiti and subsequently remanded in prison until the next hearing scheduled for December 10, 2024. The arrest has been

Omoyele Sowore, a prominent activist and former presidential candidate, took to his X handle to express his outrage over the incident. He stated, “The Nigerian justice system is wack, as expected @DeleFarotimi has been hurriedly prosecuted and sent to prison after being denied bail by a judge in Ado Ekiti pre-arranged to do the same. The @policeng, Chief Afe Babalola, SAN, and the judicial officers had it all planned out even before they sent the goons from Ekiti state command RRS (formerly SARS) to abduct him. The case adjourned till December 10, 2024. #RevolutionNow, I mean it. Nigeria is overdue for a REVOLUTION!”.

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The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has also condemned the arrest, calling it a misuse of police power and a violation of legal principles. NBA President Afam Osigwe emphasized that defamation should be treated as a civil matter, not a criminal one, and called for Farotimi’s immediate release.

Farotimi had previously accused Afe Babalola of corrupting the judiciary, which Babalola denied. This incident has drawn attention to the broader issues of judicial independence and the misuse of law enforcement in Nigeria, with many calling for reforms to ensure the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms.

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