Prominent Nigerian legal figure Afe Babalola is facing increasing international pressure to release human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi, who was arrested by Nigerian authorities following allegations made in Farotimi’s book, Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System.
Farotimi’s detention has drawn widespread condemnation from human rights organizations, diaspora groups, and writers, many of whom accuse Babalola of using his considerable influence to stifle dissent.
The controversy has also entangled King’s College London, which houses the Afe Babalola Centre for Transnational Education. Activists and advocacy groups are now calling for the institution to sever its ties with Babalola and return the £10 million donation he made to the university. These calls for action stem from accusations made by Farotimi in his book, where he claims that Babalola and his legal team were involved in compromising Nigeria’s Supreme Court in a series of contentious rulings. In response to these allegations, Babalola filed a petition that led to Farotimi’s arrest.
Farotimi has been charged with defamation and cybercrime, accusations that his supporters argue are an attempt to quash his right to free speech. Despite the growing international outrage, an Ekiti State magistrate court has refused to grant Farotimi bail, and his next court hearing is scheduled for December 10, 2024.
Amnesty International has raised concerns about Farotimi’s safety while in police custody, highlighting the harsh conditions within Nigerian detention centers. The organization has called for his immediate and unconditional release, criticizing his arrest as part of a broader crackdown on dissenting voices in the country.
Additionally, global scrutiny is intensifying on King’s College London due to its connection with Babalola through the Afe Babalola Centre, which was established in 2023 to foster educational opportunities for young Africans. The university is reportedly consulting with Amnesty International for guidance on how to respond to the growing backlash.
