Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and pan-Yoruba sociopolitical organisation, Afenifere, have strongly criticised the arrest and remand of human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi, by the police.
Farotimi, who was arrested on Monday by police from Ekiti State and brought to Ado Ekiti for arraignment, is facing charges of defamation of character stemming from his book, “Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System”.
In the book, Farotimi alleged, among other things, that prominent lawyer, Aare Afe Babalola (SAN), compromised the Supreme Court.
He was also accused of cyberbullying and defamation, with 16 counts filed against him by the police.
On Wednesday, an Ekiti State Chief Magistrate’s Court, presided over by Abayomi Adeosun, ordered Farotimi’s remand in the correctional centre, Ado Ekiti, while adjourning the case until December 10, 2024.
The Chief Magistrate criticised the defendant’s counsel for relying on past court rulings rather than presenting new materials in defence.
Atiku, in a statement on Wednesday, condemned Farotimi’s arrest, likening it to the oppressive tactics of the military dictatorship era.
He described the police’s involvement as an overreach and an attempt to stifle free expression.
“The arrest and detention of lawyer and human rights advocate, Dele Farotimi, is unequivocally condemned. It serves as a grim reminder of the dark days of military dictatorship when the iron fist of tyranny sought to crush all dissent,” Atiku said.
He further criticised the police’s handling of what he termed a civil matter, stating that defamation should not warrant law enforcement intervention.
Atiku also warned that the actions were part of a broader strategy to suppress opposition and establish a one-party state.
On its part, Afenifere expressed outrage at Farotimi’s remand in prison.
The group’s General Secretary, Chief Sola Ebiseni, who is also a lawyer, argued that Farotimi was entitled to bail for a bailable offence such as defamation.
Ebiseni questioned the court’s ruling, stating that the judge had no discretion to deny bail, especially considering Farotimi’s health challenges.
“I do not feel that it is right to say that he should come and justify on the grounds of ill health or whatever reason before being admitted to bail for a bailable offence,” Ebiseni remarked, adding that the court should have granted bail in liberal terms or on self-recognizance.
During the court session, Farotimi pleaded not guilty to the charges, which included allegations that he accused Afe Babalola and others of compromising the integrity of the Supreme Court.
His lawyer, Temidayo Akeredolu, urged the court to grant Farotimi bail, citing his long career as a lawyer and his ongoing health issues.
Akeredolu argued that Farotimi posed no threat to national security and emphasised the presumption of innocence.
The charges against Farotimi also included accusations that he claimed the Supreme Court had been tainted by corruption and had compromised its integrity under Babalola’s influence.
When the charges were read to him, Farotimi pleaded not guilty. The magistrate adjourned till December 10 for his bail application hearing.
