The Pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, has called for the immediate release of civil rights activist and legal practitioner Dele Farotimi, who was recently arrested over an alleged defamation case involving prominent legal icon Aare Afe Babalola.
In a statement on Thursday, signed by Afenifere’s Deputy Leader, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, and National Publicity Secretary, Prince Justice Faloye, the group criticized the Nigeria Police Force and the Magistrate Court in Ado-Ekiti for what they described as undue interference and questionable judicial proceedings.
Afenifere argued that defamation is a bailable offence under Nigerian law, making the denial of Farotimi’s bail unjustifiable.
They also questioned the jurisdiction of the trial, noting that the alleged offence, which stems from the publication of Farotimi’s book Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System, occurred in Lagos, not Ekiti State.
“The decision to try the case in Ado-Ekiti, citing the claim that the book was ‘received and read all over the world,’ is laughable and appears to lack legal merit,” the statement read.
The group expressed concern over the denial of bail by the Ado-Ekiti Magistrate Court despite the application by Farotimi’s counsel.
They described the actions as driven by external influences rather than the rule of law, stating:
“The proceedings at the Ado-Ekiti Magistrate Court, wherein Dele Farotimi was denied bail and ordered to be remanded at the Correctional Centre, confirm the fears of well-meaning Nigerians that extraneous factors are at play.”
Afenifere also warned of the potential damage to Afe Babalola’s reputation, emphasizing his status as a respected advocate for true federalism and restructuring in Nigeria.
They noted it would be regrettable for his name to be associated with what many perceive as a politically motivated case.
The group urged the case to be handled as a civil matter, where defamation claims are traditionally adjudicated, rather than through criminal proceedings.
They also called on the police to refrain from interfering in the judicial process, stressing the importance of upholding due process and constitutional rights.
Farotimi, who pleaded not guilty to the 16 charges against him, remains in custody, with the court adjourning the trial to December 10, 2024.
