Nigerian human rights lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi has credited the collective voices of Nigerians for his release after a 20-day detention in Ekiti State. Farotimi was held on charges of criminal defamation and cybercrime, stemming from allegations he made against senior lawyer Afe Babalola in his book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.
Farotimi, who was granted bail of N30 million and released on December 24, expressed profound gratitude to Nigerians for rallying behind him. In a heartfelt social media video titled The Walk to Freedom, he broke down in tears as he recounted how the support of a united populace transcended ethnic and religious divisions.
“Nigeria Could Not Happen to Me”
“Because you wouldn’t see me as a Yoruba man or a Christian, you spoke for me,” Farotimi said, highlighting how Nigerians united for justice. “Your voices found me even beyond the walls of prison. In our collective, we could not be silenced.”
The activist described his arrest as an “abduction” rather than a lawful detention and vowed to pursue legal redress against those responsible.
The Case and Public Outcry
Farotimi’s legal troubles began with the publication of his book, where he accused Babalola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and founder of Afe Babalola University, of manipulating Nigeria’s judicial system for his clients. Babalola petitioned the police, citing 31 excerpts from the book as defamatory. This led to Farotimi’s arraignment on multiple counts of criminal defamation and cybercrime.
Despite the severity of the charges, Nigerians rallied around Farotimi, with prominent figures like Peter Obi and Omoyele Sowore advocating for his release. Sowore’s AAC and Revolution Nowmovements also mobilized in his support.
A Humbling Experience
Farotimi described his time in prison as both revealing and transformative. “Prison is a finishing school,” he remarked with a touch of humor, adding that while he appreciated the “free accommodation,” the food left much to be desired.
The experience, however, underscored the systemic flaws in Nigeria’s judicial and correctional systems. Farotimi called for justice not just for high-profile detainees but for the countless nameless individuals languishing in prison without due process.
A Nation United
The activist praised Nigerians for setting aside their differences to demand justice. “You all spoke as one, and because of that, Nigeria couldn’t happen to me,” he said.
He also acknowledged the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) for rejecting a request by Babalola’s law firm to disbar him, ruling that the allegations pertained to his role as an author, not as a practicing lawyer.
A Book’s Unexpected Rise
Farotimi’s arrest inadvertently boosted the sales of his book, which topped Amazon’s bestseller list in the elections category within 24 hours of his detention. This surge in popularity reflects a growing public interest in Nigeria’s human rights and justice issues, particularly among younger readers.
Looking Ahead
Farotimi remains committed to advocating for systemic reforms. He vowed to defend himself against all charges and to seek accountability for his detention. “I will ensure that some lawyers never practice law in this country again,” he declared.
Through his ordeal, Farotimi’s story has become a rallying cry for justice, a testament to the power of collective action, and a reminder of the strength of a united Nigeria.
