The Pan-Yoruba sociopolitical group, Afenifere, has condemned the continued detention of human rights activist, Dele Farotimi, calling for his immediate and unconditional release. The group claims that the treatment of Farotimi proves the allegations he raised about Nigeria’s judicial system.
Afenifere voiced its concerns during a press briefing held at the residence of one of its leaders, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, in Lagos on Wednesday. The organization emphasized that Farotimi’s prolonged detention reveals a deeper problem within the justice system.
“Dele Farotimi must not remain in prison. He is being unjustly incarcerated,” stated Oba Oladipo Olaitan, the group’s deputy leader. “His rights must be protected. He must be given a fair chance to defend himself in court.”
The activist was arrested earlier this month and charged with criminal libel. His arrest and the way he is being treated have drawn sharp criticism from Afenifere, with many seeing the handling of his case as proof of the flaws within the judicial process.
Afenifere Calls for Justice
According to Afenifere, the manner in which the case has been handled by some individuals involved only supports the claims Farotimi made in his writings about the justice system. The group believes that the excessive actions by certain parties involved in his case, including errors made in the legal proceedings, validate his concerns.
Afenifere also stressed that while Chief Afe Babalola has the right to defend his reputation, such defense must stay within the boundaries of the law. “We believe in the rule of law. We are not against anyone defending their reputation, but that must be done through legal means, not outside the law,” Afenifere said in the statement.
The group argued that Farotimi has the constitutional right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty and should be treated fairly throughout the trial process.
The Call for Farotimi’s Release Grows Louder
During the briefing, other prominent members of Afenifere, including Chief Supo Sonibare, Mr. Alade Rotimi, and Mrs. Adenike Olujembola, expressed their concerns over the continuous delay in granting Farotimi bail.
“The delay in granting bail is causing widespread concern among well-meaning Nigerians and people around the world,” said Chief Olatunde Onakoya, Lagos State chairman of Afenifere. “It has become clear that this case is being influenced by factors unrelated to the facts or the law.”
Afenifere’s leaders also criticized the actions of the police and the judiciary, particularly the Chief Magistrate in Ekiti State. They pointed out that the charges against Farotimi seem baseless and that the lack of proper legal process has led to serious questions about the integrity of the entire case.
“The prosecution has failed to present any valid reason to keep Farotimi in jail. The law requires that he be presumed innocent until proven guilty,” Oba Olaitan said. “This case has become a public spectacle and a mockery of our legal system.”
The Arrest and Treatment of Farotimi
Afenifere also raised serious concerns about the way Farotimi was arrested. They described his arrest as “appalling,” particularly the manner in which he was taken from his residence in Lagos to Ekiti State for trial.
“The arrest was not just a violation of his rights; it was also done in a manner that humiliated him,” the group stated. “A suspect must know the authority arresting them and the reason for the arrest. His location must be logged, and he must be treated with dignity.”
Farotimi’s family and legal team were not informed of his whereabouts immediately after his arrest, which Afenifere sees as a breach of basic legal rights. “In a civilized society, every accused person must be allowed to contact their lawyer or family to inform them of their whereabouts,” the group emphasized.
Court Proceedings and Delays
Farotimi was first arraigned before a Chief Magistrate’s Court in Ado Ekiti on December 4, facing a 16-count charge of criminal libel. However, the Magistrate failed to consider his bail application, despite the fact that the offense is bailable. Farotimi’s lawyers were told that the court would only consider the application after a written request, which resulted in another delay.
“Even though the law is clear that Farotimi is entitled to bail, the court has continued to delay the proceedings. This is not just frustrating; it is an act of injustice,” said Afenifere.
On December 10, the Inspector General of Police added cyber-stalking and cyber-bullying charges against Farotimi. He was brought to court in handcuffs, despite not being a violent person or a flight risk. Afenifere sees this as an attempt to humiliate him in public.
Thankfully, the Judge at the Federal High Court in Ado Ekiti granted Farotimi bail, but the conditions were described as onerous and burdensome.
A Legal Battle Continues
Despite the bail, the legal battle continues. The case was adjourned for further consideration of Farotimi’s bail application, with the next hearing scheduled for December 20.
Farotimi’s lawyers filed a Notice of Preliminary Objection, pointing out that the charges against him do not exist under the laws of Ekiti State. However, the court has seemingly ignored this critical objection and proceeded with remanding Farotimi until the next hearing date.
Afenifere has strongly criticized the legal system’s handling of the case, accusing the authorities of trying to “constructively incarcerate” an innocent person by creating procedural delays.
“The continued detention of Farotimi is a clear violation of his rights. The legal process is being manipulated, and this is a matter of grave concern to all Nigerians who care about justice and fairness,” said Afenifere.
