After spending over three weeks in custody, Lagos-based activist and lawyer, Dele Farotimi, has been released on bail, speaking out for the first time about the defamation charges that led to his arrest.
Farotimi, known for his vocal criticism of Nigeria’s legal system, was arrested on December 3, 2024, after a petition was filed against him by legal luminary Afe Babalola. The petition accused Farotimi of defaming Babalola and other senior lawyers in a book he authored titled ‘Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.’
In the book, Farotimi claimed that Babalola and his associates had corrupted the Supreme Court, a bold assertion that has sparked a fierce legal battle. Farotimi’s arrest occurred in Lagos, but he was transported to Ekiti, where he was arraigned before a Magistrate Court on defamation charges.
Despite the gravity of the charges, which some see as an attack on his integrity and freedom of expression, Farotimi remained steadfast in his belief that the truth was his only defence.
The Struggle for Justice
Speaking after his release on bail on December 24, Farotimi addressed the media, reiterating his commitment to exposing what he views as widespread corruption within Nigeria’s judicial system. The Lagos activist, who was granted bail with stringent conditions, expressed no regrets about his actions.
“It’s never easy when you are fighting evil,” Farotimi remarked, his voice calm but resolute. “But many years ago, before I began this work, God told me that the truth is enough. It is the only weapon with which you can slay the monster called Nigeria.”
Farotimi, a known critic of Nigeria’s justice system, explained that his decision to write his book was not motivated by personal gain, but by his desire to confront the flaws he perceives within the country’s legal institutions. He emphasized that his fight was anchored on the truth, not on malicious intent or fabrication.
“I have never lied against anyone. If I don’t know something, I will say I don’t know,” Farotimi said, adding, “In my journey to expose the truth about the injustices we face, I have no regrets, and I have no reason to lie against anyone. The truth is my only defence.”
The Charges Against Farotimi
The legal storm surrounding Farotimi began when his book, which examines Nigeria’s legal system, was published earlier this year. In it, Farotimi alleges that prominent legal figures, including Afe Babalola, have played a role in undermining the integrity of the Supreme Court by engaging in corrupt practices.
Babalola, a well-respected figure in Nigerian legal circles, was swift to react, filing a defamation suit against Farotimi for the accusations made in the book. His legal team also filed a separate civil suit on behalf of other top lawyers in Babalola’s chambers, claiming that they too had been defamed by Farotimi’s words.
In addition to the civil suits, Farotimi faces criminal charges, including a count of cyberbullying, which the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has leveled against him in the Federal High Court in Ekiti. These charges stem from allegations that Farotimi’s online posts and public statements had defamed Babalola and his colleagues, further complicating his legal troubles.
Farotimi, however, is not backing down from the fight.
Legal and Political Implications
Farotimi’s case has sparked a larger debate about freedom of speech and the independence of Nigeria’s judiciary. Critics argue that the charges against him are politically motivated, with some suggesting that the ruling elite is using the courts to silence dissent and protect influential figures like Babalola.
The timing of the arrest has raised questions, with many wondering if the government is sending a message to other activists who seek to challenge the status quo. In a country where the justice system is often criticized for its perceived lack of fairness, Farotimi’s case has ignited public debate over the role of the judiciary in defending the rights of citizens versus shielding powerful elites.
Despite the challenges he faces, Farotimi has vowed to continue his advocacy. “I will not stop. If this fight costs me everything, so be it. But I will keep fighting for the truth,” he declared.
Public Support and Legal Reactions
Since Farotimi’s arrest, several legal practitioners and human rights groups have rallied behind him, expressing concern over what they see as an attempt to suppress free speech. The National Bar Association (NBA) has condemned the charges, with many of its members asserting that Farotimi’s book falls within the realm of legitimate criticism.
“This is not about one man; this is about the system,” said a senior lawyer who spoke on condition of anonymity. “If we cannot criticize those in power, then our democracy is in jeopardy.”
However, some members of the legal community have supported Babalola’s actions, arguing that there should be consequences for anyone who publicly attacks the reputation of respected legal professionals without evidence.
