Human rights lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi has pledged to seek legal redress following his recent arrest and detention over a now-withdrawn defamation suit filed by renowned legal luminary Afe Babalola (SAN).
During an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Farotimi asserted that his incarceration was unlawful and would not go unchallenged. He emphasized his determination to hold accountable those who, in his view, abused state power for personal motives.
“I was always at peace,” he said, “but when it comes to demanding accountability from those who have weaponized state machinery for private ends, rest assured—there will be consequences.”
Farotimi was arrested by police in Lagos in December 2024 and transferred to Ekiti State, where he was charged with criminal defamation in relation to his book Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System. Babalola had alleged that the book contained defamatory statements against him. An Ekiti Magistrate Court subsequently ordered Farotimi’s remand for 21 days.
The case was later withdrawn after intervention from influential figures such as former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Bishop Matthew Kukah, alongside mediation efforts by traditional rulers. However, Farotimi insists that the withdrawal does not signify closure.
“Even though the criminal charges have been dropped, the civil actions remain,” he stated. “You can take it to the bank: I will demand justice from those responsible for sending me to prison.”
When asked who he plans to sue, Farotimi noted that his legal team would make that determination. “Whether it’s the police, the magistrate who remanded me, or the individuals who authored the petition—someone will answer for it.”
He also distanced himself from the peace efforts that led to the case being dropped, saying, “I did not request or participate in any intervention. I was not consulted before traditional rulers or others approached Babalola.”
According to SaharaReporters, Farotimi’s arrest stemmed from a petition by Babalola, citing allegations of cybercrime. The arrest followed a police raid on his Lagos residence on December 3, 2024, after which he was transported to Ekiti.
His detention drew widespread condemnation, including criticism from Nigerian human rights activist and 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, who described the arrest as illegal.
Saharareporters
