A coalition of Nigerian activists and international organizations has come together to support Dele Farotimi, a prominent Nigerian activist and lawyer, as he battles against corruption within Nigeria’s judicial system.
The coalition, which includes renowned figures such as Omoyele Sowore, Professor Chidi Odinkalu, Barrister Deji Adeyanju, and Dr. Malcolm Fabiyi, was formed to coordinate efforts in ensuring Farotimi receives justice for his unlawful treatment by the Nigerian judicial system.
According to Dr. Fabiyi, spokesperson for the Justice for Dele Farotimi Coalition, the aim is clear: to support Dele Farotimi’s fight for justice and to hold the corrupt institutions within the Nigerian judiciary accountable.
“We are here to ensure that Dele Farotimi gets justice,” Fabiyi said. “The Nigerian judicial system is widely known for its corruption. It is something that has been acknowledged by both the people and even the judges themselves.”
The coalition’s formation follows Farotimi’s controversial incarceration and accusations against Chief Afe Babalola, a respected Nigerian lawyer, of judicial corruption. Farotimi has been outspoken in his criticism of the judiciary, providing names and context to support his claims.
“The corruption in Nigeria’s judiciary is not just a theory; it is a harsh reality,” Fabiyi continued. “Politicians, the public, and even the judiciary itself have openly admitted to it. Yet, when Dele tries to expose the corruption, he is jailed and persecuted.”
The coalition highlighted what it describes as an “outrageous” series of illegalities that led to Farotimi’s arrest.
“How can someone be jailed in Ekiti state for failing to attend a court proceeding that he was never notified about?” Fabiyi questioned.
“How can someone be charged with criminal libel for an offense that, according to legal scholars like Professor Odinkalu, does not even exist in Ekiti state law? The case is riddled with contradictions, and it’s all a clear sign that the system is corrupt.”
One of the most disturbing aspects of Farotimi’s case, according to the coalition, is the way he was arrested. The police traveled from Ekiti state to Lagos, passing through multiple states, to arrest a Lagos-based citizen. This, the coalition says, is further evidence of the widespread corruption in Nigeria’s law enforcement and judicial systems.
The coalition announced three key objectives for their work.
First, a Legal Defense Fund will be set up to ensure that Dele Farotimi has the necessary resources to mount a strong defense against the charges laid against him.
Secondly, the coalition will coordinate Global Action in support of Dele Farotimi’s cause.
And thirdly, a new Whistleblowing Initiative will be launched to encourage insiders within the judicial system to provide information about corrupt practices, particularly those that involve Dele Farotimi’s allegations against Chief Afe Babalola and certain judicial officers.
The coalition has made it clear that whistleblowers will be protected and incentivized for their courage in coming forward.
“For every act of corruption, there is always someone on the inside who knows the truth,” said a statement from the coalition. “Whether it’s a clerk moving files, a registrar altering court documents, or a bank worker aware of illegal transfers, there are people who can help expose these corrupt acts.”
The coalition believes that Farotimi’s treatment is a direct result of his willingness to speak out against the corruption that runs deep within Nigeria’s judiciary. They see his imprisonment as part of a wider effort by corrupt officials to silence those who challenge the system.
But, as Fabiyi pointed out, the coalition will not let this intimidation succeed.
“Dele Farotimi will not be silenced,” he said. “And those who think they can intimidate Nigerians into silence are wrong. This is only the beginning. We are opening a Pandora’s box, and those responsible for these corrupt practices will have to answer.”
The coalition’s call to action has resonated with many Nigerians, and there are growing concerns about the state of the country’s judicial system.
“It is time for the world to see the corruption in Nigeria’s judiciary for what it truly is,” Fabiyi concluded. “We will continue to fight for Dele Farotimi and for all Nigerians who have suffered under this corrupt system.”
The coalition has also scheduled an online meeting on Tuesday at 7pm Nigerian time, inviting the general public to join the discussion and learn more about Farotimi’s case and the fight against judicial corruption in Nigeria.
