Afenifere Demands Immediate Release of Dele Farotimi, Criticizes Judicial Overreach
The Pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, has strongly condemned the arrest and detention of civil rights activist and legal practitioner, Dele Farotimi, and has called for his immediate release. Farotimi was recently detained in connection with an alleged defamation case involving renowned legal icon, Aare Afe Babalola.
In a statement released on Thursday and signed by Afenifere’s Deputy Leader, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, and National Publicity Secretary, Prince Justice Faloye, the group criticized the actions of the police and the Magistrate Court in Ado-Ekiti. According to Afenifere, the case appears to have been unduly influenced by external factors, raising concerns about fairness and adherence to the rule of law.
The group noted that libel is a bailable offence under Nigerian law, questioning why Farotimi was denied bail despite his counsel’s application. They described the decision to remand him at the Correctional Centre as unjustified and indicative of broader issues of judicial overreach.
Controversy Over Trial Location
Afenifere also expressed dissatisfaction with the choice of Ado-Ekiti as the venue for the trial. The alleged offence — related to the publication of Farotimi’s book, Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System — occurred in Lagos. The group criticized the prosecution’s claim that the book was “received and read all over the world” as a weak argument to establish jurisdiction in Ekiti State.
“The arbitrary choice of Ado-Ekiti for this trial is not only legally questionable but also undermines confidence in the impartiality of the judicial process,” the statement read.
Concerns Over Afe Babalola’s Reputation
Afenifere raised concerns about the implications of this case for Aare Afe Babalola, whom they described as a respected advocate for federalism and restructuring in Nigeria. The group warned that associating Babalola with what they perceive as a politically motivated case could tarnish his legacy.
“It would be regrettable for a figure of Afe Babalola’s stature to be linked to actions that many Nigerians view as an abuse of the judicial system,” Afenifere said.
Call for Due Process and Fair Trial
The group emphasized that defamation cases are civil matters and should be addressed in civil courts, not through criminal proceedings. They called on law enforcement agencies to avoid interfering in the judicial process and urged the judiciary to uphold constitutional rights and due process.
Farotimi, who has pleaded not guilty to the 16 charges filed against him, remains in custody as his trial has been adjourned until December 10, 2024.
Afenifere’s Warning Against Judicial Abuse
Afenifere’s statement concluded with a warning about the dangers of using the judicial system as a tool for silencing dissenting voices. The group stressed the importance of protecting civil liberties and ensuring that justice is not compromised by external pressures.
The arrest and detention of Dele Farotimi have sparked widespread debate about freedom of expression and the role of the judiciary in safeguarding democratic principles. Many Nigerians and civil society organizations are closely monitoring the case, which has become a litmus test for the independence of Nigeria’s legal system.
As the trial date approaches, Afenifere and other advocacy groups are calling for a transparent and fair judicial process to address the allegations while respecting Farotimi’s rights as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.
