Human rights advocate Omoyele Sowore has called for a global protest against the Nigerian judiciary over the detention of activist and lawyer, Dele Farotimi.
Sowore, who is the publisher of Sahara Reporters and a former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), has urged Nigerians to unite in defence of justice.
Farotimi’s arrest has sparked outrage across the country, with many accusing the judiciary and police of silencing dissent.
The human rights lawyer was detained by officers of the Ekiti State Police Command on allegations of defamation.
The accusations stem from his recent book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System, which reportedly criticised Aare Afe Babalola SAN, founder of Afe Babalola University.
After his arrest, Farotimi was remanded in prison custody following an appearance at the Magistrate Court in Ado Ekiti.
The court ordered his detention until December 10, a decision that has been widely criticised as unjust.
Sowore, in a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), condemned the judiciary for what he described as an attack on free speech.
He announced that a series of protests will commence on December 10 to demand Farotimi’s release and an end to judicial oppression.
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,” Sowore wrote, quoting Martin Luther King Jr.
The planned demonstrations will take place at multiple locations, including Afe Babalola Chambers in Lagos, the Federal Ministry of Justice in Abuja, the Police Headquarters in Ekiti, and Kings College Campus in London.
Sowore’s call has gained traction online, with activists, legal professionals, and ordinary Nigerians pledging their support.
Public Outcry
Farotimi’s detention has stirred widespread condemnation from Nigerians who view the case as a misuse of judicial power.
Many have questioned why a personal grievance over a book would lead to a police arrest and court-ordered detention.
“This is not just about Dele Farotimi,” said Mary Akinola, a Lagos-based activist.
“It’s about our collective right to freedom of expression and our fight against oppression.”
Social media has been buzzing with hashtags like #FreeDeleFarotimi and #JusticeForFarotimi, reflecting growing public anger.
Several commentators have described the detention as an attempt to intimidate critics of the political and legal system.
“This is another dark chapter for Nigeria’s democracy,” said Deji Adeyanju, a prominent activist.
“We cannot remain silent while the judiciary is weaponized against those who speak the truth.
The protest announcement has drawn support from international human rights groups and Nigerian diaspora communities.
London-based activist Chidi Anyaegbu stated that the planned demonstration at Kings College Campus would shed light on systemic injustices in Nigeria.
“This case is a reflection of how the powerful misuse the legal system to suppress dissent,” Anyaegbu said.
Nigerian celebrities and public figures have also joined the call for Farotimi’s release.
“This is not just about Dele; it’s about all of us,” said popular musician Falz in a video posted online.
“If we don’t stand up now, we’ll all be silenced.”
Critics argue that Farotimi’s case highlights broader issues within Nigeria’s criminal justice system.
Many see his detention as a sign of how easily the law can be manipulated to favor the influential.
“This isn’t just a legal matter,” said Barrister Tunde Okoye, a senior lawyer based in Abuja.
“It’s about the integrity of our judicial system and its responsibility to protect the powerless.”
Sowore’s planned protest aims to send a strong message to the judiciary and the government.
“We will not stop until justice is served,” Sowore declared in another post.
With the December 10 protest fast approaching, all eyes are on the Nigerian judiciary.
Will the outcry and international pressure lead to Farotimi’s release?
Or will the courts stand firm in their controversial decision?
For now, Sowore and his supporters are determined to fight for what they see as a critical moment for Nigeria’s democracy.
“The time to act is now,” Sowore said.
“Justice must prevail.”