Police officers have been stationed outside the Afe Babalola Chambers in Magodo, Lagos, in response to a planned protest. The protest is in support of human rights activist Dele Farotimi, who is facing charges before an Ekiti State Magistrate Court.
Farotimi has been accused of defamation by legal icon Afe Babalola, after making statements in his book titled Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.
The police presence outside the prestigious law firm is part of efforts to maintain peace, as the protest, organized by the ‘Take it Back Movement’, is set to begin. The movement is led by former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore.
Farotimi’s case has stirred tension in both legal and activist circles. The human rights lawyer, known for his outspoken views on Nigeria’s justice system, was detained by the Ekiti State police on Tuesday. He was accused of defamation and cyberbullying, stemming from the contents of his controversial book.
The police, who had already been present in the area, were deployed in even greater numbers following news of the protest. Authorities are clearly on edge, fearing that the protest could lead to public unrest.
Farotimi was granted bail on cybercrime charges earlier this week, though his defamation case remains unresolved. The Ekiti Magistrate Court arraigned Farotimi on Tuesday morning, setting the stage for a potential legal battle that may have far-reaching implications for freedom of speech in Nigeria.
The planned protest aims to draw attention to what activists believe is a politically motivated prosecution of Farotimi. According to protesters, the charges against the human rights lawyer are an attempt to stifle criticism of influential figures like Babalola.
Babalola, who is widely respected in Nigeria’s legal community, has not publicly commented on the matter since the charges were brought against Farotimi. However, his supporters argue that the defamation suit is a necessary legal action to protect his reputation from false allegations.
The protest is expected to attract attention from both legal professionals and activists, who are eager to see how the case will unfold in court. “We cannot allow Nigeria’s legal system to be used as a tool for silencing those who speak out for justice,” said one of the protest organizers.
The police barricade at Afe Babalola’s chambers serves as a stark reminder of the high stakes involved in this case. As tensions between legal authorities and activists rise, the eyes of the nation are on Ekiti State, where Farotimi will face his accuser in the coming days.
In an interview with DAILY POST, Farotimi’s legal team expressed confidence that they would be able to prove the charges of defamation to be unfounded. “This is an attack on Dele Farotimi’s reputation and his work as an activist,” they said. “We will fight this case to the end.”
However, the legal proceedings may take a backseat to the growing public concern over the freedom of expression in the country. Many Nigerians are now asking whether anyone, regardless of status, can speak out against powerful figures like Afe Babalola without facing severe consequences.
Meanwhile, Sowore and other members of the ‘Take it Back Movement’ are preparing for what they anticipate will be a highly charged protest. “This fight is about the future of Nigeria, a future where we can all speak freely and hold the powerful to account,” Sowore declared.
As the case moves forward, all eyes will remain fixed on Lagos, where the protest is set to take place. With police forces already on standby, it is clear that both sides are preparing for a confrontation that could escalate into a broader debate over Nigeria’s justice system and the limits of free speech.
