Dele Farotimi: Police Take Over Afe Babalola’s Firm In Lagos

 

Stern-looking police officers have taken strategic positions around the Afe Babalola Chambers in Magodo, Lagos, to maintain order as tensions rise over the prosecution of human rights activist, Dele Farotimi.

The heavy security presence comes ahead of a planned protest by the ‘Take it Back Movement,’ led by Omoyele Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters.

The protest, which was called for by Sowore on December 5, is set to challenge the judiciary’s handling of Farotimi’s case.

Sowore had urged Nigerians both at home and abroad to join a “nationwide/global protest” against what he describes as the unjust prosecution of Farotimi, whose activism has often put him at odds with authorities.

The protest is slated to begin on December 10, with key locations including the Afe Babalola Chambers in Lagos, the Federal Ministry of Justice in Abuja, the Police Headquarters in Ekiti, and Kings’ College Campus in London.

However, as of the time of reporting, there were no visible protesters at any of these sites. Police patrol vehicles were, nevertheless, observed at several locations, including Magodo, where the Afe Babalola Chambers is located.

Farotimi’s legal troubles began earlier this month when he was arrested by the Ekiti State Police Command over allegations of defamation and cyberbullying.

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He is accused of spreading false information about legal giant Afe Babalola, for whom the chambers are named. Following his arrest, the Inspector-General of Police filed a 12-count charge against Farotimi, accusing him of cybercrimes.

On Monday, Farotimi was granted bail on the cybercrime charges, but the following day, he appeared in Ekiti’s Magistrate Court for further arraignment over the defamation claims.

The activist’s legal battles continue to spark widespread debate, with many seeing the case as a test of free speech and the limits of state power.