The Take It Back Movement has vowed to proceed with its planned protests in various locations, including Ekiti, Lagos, Abuja, London, and Canada, to protest the arrest and detention of human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi.
The protests are being organized to voice opposition to the charges of alleged defamation brought against Farotimi, and to challenge what the movement sees as an infringement on justice and freedom of expression in Nigeria.
This decision comes despite a recent ban on public protests and unlawful gatherings by the Ekiti State Police Command. The police issued a statement, led by spokesperson Abutu Sunday, warning that “any form of unlawful gathering, demonstration, or protest is unacceptable.” The police cited security concerns, claiming to have intelligence that some individuals might hijack the protests to incite violence or disrupt public order in the state.
Nonetheless, the Take It Back Movement has remained steadfast in its plans, sharing a flyer on its official X (formerly Twitter) page that reiterates its commitment to the protests. The flyer, which is titled “Nationwide/Global Protest Against The Nigerian Judiciary,” urges Nigerians to stand up against what they perceive as an unjust legal system and to demand accountability from the authorities.
The protest is set to take place on December 10, 2024, in several locations, with the primary gathering in Ado-Ekiti at the Ekiti State Police Headquarters. The movement has also announced that simultaneous protests will occur in cities like Lagos, Abuja, Benin City, Toronto, and London.
The protests were further endorsed by activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, who shared a one-minute video reinforcing the movement’s position. In the video, Sowore declared, “An unjust act of oppression cannot stand no matter how ‘well presented’ that it was done under the colour of law! On December 10, 2024, in Lagos, Abuja, Ado-Ekiti, Benin City, Toronto, and the city of London, the people intoxicated by power will be confronted by the power of the people!”
At the heart of these protests is the legal battle of Dele Farotimi, who was arrested following a petition filed by Chief Afe Babalola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti. Babalola accused Farotimi of defaming his character in Farotimi’s book, Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System. The allegations stem from statements Farotimi made in the book that Babalola believes tarnished his reputation.
Following Babalola’s petition, Farotimi was arrested in Lagos on Tuesday and brought before a Magistrates Court in Ado Ekiti the next day. The police had sought to have Farotimi remanded in custody, but his lawyer requested bail. However, Chief Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun denied the bail request, instead ordering that Farotimi remain in detention until the case is adjourned on December 10, 2024—the same day as the planned protests.
In addition to the defamation charges, the police have brought further charges against Farotimi at the Federal High Court in Ado Ekiti, accusing him of cybercrime offenses. These new charges are related to comments Farotimi made during an appearance on the Mic On Podcast with Seun Okinbaloye, in which he allegedly accused Aare Afe Babalola of compromising the integrity of Nigeria’s judiciary.
The protests planned by the Take It Back Movement are not only a response to Farotimi’s legal troubles but also reflect broader concerns over the state of Nigeria’s judicial system and the ability of ordinary citizens to speak out against perceived injustices without facing legal consequences. The movement’s leadership hopes that these protests will galvanize public action and foster a wider conversation about the state of human rights, freedom of speech, and justice in Nigeria.
