Outrage Trails Handcuffs On Dele Farotimi Over Defamation Charge

Some Nigerians have expressed outrage after human rights activist, Dele Farotimi, was escorted to the Ekiti State High Court in handcuffs.

On Monday, Farotimi appeared before the court in shackles, having been arrested last week in Lagos by officers from the Ekiti State Police Command. His arrest followed a defamation lawsuit filed by Chief Afe Babalola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, who accused Farotimi of defaming him in his book titled ‘Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System’.

During the court session, Farotimi was granted bail under strict conditions, set at N50 million with a surety of the same amount. However, his appearance in handcuffs has sparked significant reactions from activists and legal professionals alike.

Deji Adeyanju, a well-known activist and lawyer, posted on X, condemning the incident as an embarrassment to the legal profession. He remarked, “Shame on everyone involved in this embarrassment to the legal profession. A lawyer in handcuffs over defamation, not armed robbery, kidnapping or any crime. No wonder they abducted Dele Farotimi and took him to where Baba Afe Babalola is king, Ekiti.”

Other activists also weighed in. Inibehe Effiong, another lawyer and human rights advocate, questioned the need for Farotimi to be handcuffed while being transported to the Federal High Court in Ado Ekiti. Effiong argued, “This is preposterous. He did not pose any threat, and did not resist being taken to court. Dele Farotimi is a political prisoner and will come out stronger.”

Rinu Oduala, another critic, wrote, “Dele Farotimi is put in handcuffs for an offence that doesn’t even exist in the laws. Is he a criminal or a political prisoner? The Nigerian government should let us know. #FreeDeleFarotimiNow.” Similarly, a Twitter user named Darey criticized the entire process, saying, “Afe Babalola put Dele Farotimi in handcuffs for defamation which is a CIVIL MATTER. Nigeria and its CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM.”

The reactions highlight concerns about selective justice and political motivations behind the prosecution. Many critics believe that the handling of Farotimi’s case reflects a broader issue of the legal system being used to silence political dissent in Nigeria.

The incident has sparked debates about the fairness of the Nigerian legal system and the treatment of individuals challenging the political establishment.

Send Us A Press Statement Advertise With Us Contact Us

 And For More Nigerian News Visit GWG.NG