Nigerian police officers have assumed control of the Magodo Estate in Lagos State, housing the chambers of renowned legal luminary Afe Babalola, in anticipation of widespread protests demanding the release of human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi.
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The unrest stems from Farotimi’s abrupt arrest and transfer from Lagos to Ekiti State, sparked by allegations of cybercrime and defamation against Babalola.
Farotimi’s ordeal began when he was taken into custody by Ekiti State Police Command operatives, despite his earlier compliance with an invitation from the Zone 2 Police Headquarters in Lagos.
He now faces a 16-count charge, having been arraigned before a magistrate court in Ado-Ekiti, where he pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The court subsequently ordered his remand, prompting an outpouring of public criticism and calls for his release from prominent figures, including Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, and Omoyele Sowore.
The protests, scheduled to take place on Tuesday at multiple locations, including Lagos, Ekiti, Abuja, and London, United Kingdom, are a testament to the growing concern over Farotimi’s detention.
Protesters seek his immediate release, alleging judicial overreach and an affront to his fundamental human rights.
Meanwhile, Afe Babalola & Co. has expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support, while emphasizing its commitment to defending its reputation through legal means.
The firm maintains that silence in the face of Farotimi’s allegations would be tantamount to admitting guilt, stressing that the freedom of speech is not absolute and that individuals must be held accountable for their words.
Our correspondent learned that the heavy police presence at Afe Babalola’s law firm in Lagos is a direct response to the planned #FreeDeleFarotimiNow protests. The deployment of armed operatives underscores the authorities’ concern over the potential scale and impact of the demonstrations.
This development follows the filing of fresh charges against Farotimi by the police, alleging his involvement in cybercrime activities. The case, with suit number FHC/AD/CR/104/2024, was brought before the Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti by the Inspector-General of Police.
Justice Babs O. Kuewumi, presiding over the court, granted Farotimi bail on Monday, December 9, 2024, with the aforementioned conditions. The case has been adjourned to January 29, 2025, for further proceedings.
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