A coalition of civil society organizations has written to the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), demanding sanctions against Afe Babalola (SAN), Ekiti State Chief Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun, and several others over the continued incarceration of human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi.
The groups have called for disciplinary action by the NBA, accusing the magistrate of judicial misconduct and Afe Babalola of orchestrating the charges against Farotimi.
In a letter addressed to the NBA President, the coalition urged the NBA to press the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), to withdraw the criminal charges filed against Farotimi.
Farotimi, known for his outspoken stance on human rights, was arrested on December 3, 2024, by officers of the Ekiti State Rapid Response Squad. They allegedly invaded Farotimi’s law office in Lekki, Lagos, and took him into custody without a warrant.
The civil society groups are now demanding that the NBA take immediate action. According to the groups, the charges against Farotimi are politically motivated and intended to silence him.
“These are trumped-up charges, instigated by Aare Afe Babalola and his associates to imprison Dele Farotimi indefinitely,” the letter reads.
Farotimi is facing accusations of circulating information that could lead to a breakdown of law and order. The charges stem from his book Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System, which allegedly impugns the character of Afe Babalola, a prominent lawyer, and violates the Cybercrimes Act.
The groups have also pointed to the recent actions of Ekiti State Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun, who denied Farotimi bail in his case despite the Federal High Court granting him release. On December 10, 2024, Magistrate Adeosun adjourned the hearing of Farotimi’s bail application for another 10 days, until December 20, 2024, despite the court being one that handles summary trials.
“This is judicial rascality,” the coalition declared. “The actions of Magistrate Adeosun are a clear case of professional misconduct, and the NBA must hold him accountable.”
The groups are particularly concerned about the potential for abuse of judicial power, which they claim is being used to silence Farotimi. “We believe that these charges are being used to keep Farotimi locked up and intimidate others who speak out against injustice,” said Com. Francis Nwapa of the Youth Rights Campaign (YRC), one of the signatories of the letter.
The civil society coalition includes prominent groups such as the Movement for Socialist Alternative (MSA), the Campaign For Democratic and Workers’ Rights, and the Education Rights Campaign (ERC), among others.
According to the coalition, the charges against Farotimi have nothing to do with any real crime but are instead part of an effort by powerful interests, led by Afe Babalola, to crush dissent.
The civil society groups have given a stern warning that if the charges against Farotimi are not dropped, they will organize peaceful protests across Nigeria. “We will not stand by while the rights of Nigerian citizens are trampled upon. We will take to the streets to demand an end to this farcical trial,” said Com. Chinedu Bosah of the Campaign for Democratic and Workers’ Rights.
The groups are calling on the NBA President to urgently intervene in this matter, emphasizing that Farotimi’s rights must be protected, and that those responsible for his unlawful detention and the charges against him must be held accountable.
“We are calling on the NBA to use its constitutional powers to bring justice to Farotimi and to take strong action against all those involved in his persecution,” said Com. Oloye Adegboyega Adeniji of the Movement for Fundamental Change (MFC).
Farotimi’s case has raised alarm across the country, with many human rights advocates expressing concern over the growing trend of using the legal system to silence critics. The coalition’s demands reflect widespread fears that the Nigerian justice system is being misused to serve political and personal interests.
“If we allow this case to go unchecked, it will set a dangerous precedent for the entire country,” warned Com. Hassan Taiwo Soweto of the Education Rights Campaign.
The groups have called for the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, to exercise his constitutional powers to discontinue the charges against Farotimi. They believe that the case is not just about one individual but about the integrity of the Nigerian legal system.
“This is about more than Dele Farotimi,” said Com. Tony Akeni of the Save Democracy Mega Alliance (SDMA). “It is about the survival of our democracy and the protection of our fundamental rights.”
The coalition is now preparing for protests if their demands are not met. “We will not be silenced,” they declared. “We will continue to fight for justice and for the rights of Nigerians everywhere.”
The controversy surrounding Farotimi’s arrest and detention has sparked a wider debate on the state of Nigeria’s justice system and the extent to which powerful individuals can use the legal process to target those who speak out against them.
Human rights organizations both within Nigeria and internationally are closely monitoring the situation, with many expressing support for Farotimi and calling for an end to the charges against him.
For now, all eyes are on the NBA and the Attorney General’s office to see if they will intervene and bring an end to the persecution of Dele Farotimi.
The battle for Farotimi’s freedom is far from over, and civil society groups have vowed to continue the fight until justice is served.
