Real reason human rights activist Dele Farotimi was denied bail

The Magistrate’s Court in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, has denied bail to human rights activist Dele Farotimi, remanding him in custody pending further proceedings on December 20, 2024.

Farotimi faces a 16-count charge of defamation against Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Chief Afe Babalola, stemming from allegations in his book Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System, where he accused Babalola of influencing Supreme Court judges.

Courtroom Drama Over Legal Representation

Farotimi pleaded not guilty to all charges, with his counsel seeking bail on the grounds of presumption of innocence. However, a dispute arose over his legal representation when the police prosecutor, Samson Osobu, argued that Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN, could not represent the defendant in a magistrate’s court, citing the Magistrate’s Law of 2014 and a precedent set in the case Abiodun Bamigboye vs COP.

Olumide-Fusika countered with the Oyo Magistrate’s Law, asserting that any qualified lawyer could represent a client in criminal matters.

However, Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun ruled against the SAN’s involvement, prompting lawyer Taiwo Adeniji to step in and continue the defense.

Bail Application Delayed

Adeniji argued for bail, citing Section 36 (5) of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended) and Act 6 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, stating that the charges lacked substantial evidence.

However, the prosecutor contended that the application was irregular and urged the court to deny it.

Due to disagreements between the parties, Magistrate Adeosun adjourned the bail decision to December 20.

Clashes Outside Court Premises

The proceedings sparked tension outside the courthouse, with support groups clashing.

A pro-Afe Babalola faction accused Farotimi’s supporters of inciting chaos, while the activist’s allies pledged to escalate their protests to Lagos.

Atiku Abubakar Condemns Farotimi’s Ordeal

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar expressed dismay over Farotimi’s incarceration, calling it a reflection of Nigeria’s pervasive culture of impunity. Writing on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Atiku stated:

> “Dele Farotimi, a lawyer and tireless advocate for human rights, now languishes in prison custody not for any crime but for the supposed ‘crime’ of persistently speaking truth to power.”

Atiku urged Nigerian leaders to honor their oaths to protect the constitutional rights of citizens.

“His only offence lies in his unflinching commitment to exposing the truths that the government and its collaborators would rather remain hidden.

“More troubling still is the fact that he is detained and prosecuted under the guise of a law that does not even exist in Ekiti State.

“His plight serves as a poignant reflection of the pervasive climate of impunity and the blatant violation of citizens’ rights that has become all too common in Nigeria.

“Yet, perhaps the most alarming of all is the weaponization of the cyberbullying law, which is being used as a tool to harass, intimidate and silence dissenting voices in the opposition and the press.

“On this solemn occasion of International Human Rights Day, let us take a moment to remind our leaders at every level of government to honour the oaths they have sworn to protect and uphold the constitutionally enshrined rights of the people. Only through this commitment can we hope to nurture and strengthen our democracy..”

Seadogs Confraternity frowns at increasing abuse of human rights
Meanwhile, the National Association of Seadogs and Pyrates Confraternity, Dutse Deck have frowned at what they termed as heightening cases of human rights abuses in Nigeria and called for the government’s urgent actions in protecting the rights of citizens.

The confraternity particularly mentioned the arrest and detention of Dele Farotimi as well as what it termed a harsh bail condition given to him, saying such is a case of human rights abuse.

Marching through the highway in Jos, Plateau State in celebration of this year’s World Human Rights Day, the association sensitised citizens on their rights as human beings.

Speaking during the procession, Chairman of Typhoon Blasted Seadogs Forum, Jos Chapter, Charles Uwechia, said: “We are here to sensitise citizens about human rights because a lot of people don’t know their rights and how they are being abused. Our organization is humanitarian and issues of human rights abuses are coming up. A typical example is the issue of Dele Farotimi.

“The National Association of Seadogs believes that his rights are abused, putting him in chains; he is not a criminal; the matter is a civil one, and the bail condition of N50 million is outrageous.

Governments should renege on some of these abuses and make some changes in the human rights approaches in the country.”