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Sunday, 08 December 2024 04:33

Activists defy Police, plan nationwide, London protests for Dele Farotimi's release

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Human rights activists are preparing for a coordinated protest on Tuesday, December 10, demanding the release of Dele Farotimi, despite police attempts to prohibit the demonstration. The planned protests will span multiple locations, including Ekiti, Lagos, Abuja, and London.

Farotimi was arrested following a defamation petition filed by Afe Babalola after publishing allegations of judicial corruption in his book, 'Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System'. The Nigerian Bar Association has argued that the arrest is questionable, pointing out that criminal defamation has been decriminalised under Lagos State law and previously invalidated by a Supreme Court ruling.

Omoyele Sowore, the 2023 African Action Congress presidential candidate, is spearheading the protest efforts. He has announced specific meeting points for demonstrators:

- Abuja: Ministry of Justice and Federal High Court

- Ekiti: Police Headquarters in Ado-Ekiti

- Lagos: Afe Babalola Chambers in Magodo

- London: King's College London

The Ekiti State Police Command has warned against the protest, claiming intelligence suggests potential violence. However, Sowore insists that the protests will proceed, stating that the police cannot ban peaceful demonstrations.

The activists aim to draw national and international attention to what they describe as Farotimi's illegal detention, with Sowore calling for a "global online and offline revolt against the Nigerian judiciary."

The protest is scheduled for 7 AM West African Time on December 10, 2024, with transportation arranged for out-of-state participants.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​