In defence of the arrest, the police claimed Farotimi ignored previous invitations to appear before them, citing cyberbullying and defamation as the grounds for his detention.
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Defamation: Court denies human rights activist Dele Farotimi bail
The magistrate court in Ado-Ekiti has denied bail to human rights activist, Dele Farotimi, in the suit filed by the Inspector General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, against him over alleged cybercrime.
Farotimi was taken to court for allegedly defaming the founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Afe Babalola.
At the court hearing on Tuesday, the presiding magistrate, Abayomi Adeosun, postponed the decision on the bail application to December 20.
This happened after the police counsel, Samson Osobu, argued that the bail application submitted by the defendant was incomplete and not properly filed.
This ruling, however, contradicts the decision of the Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti, which granted Farotimi bail on Monday.
The ELANZANEWS reports that Farotimi was arrested in Lagos by the police and transported to Ekiti, where he appeared before the magistrate court on Wednesday.
He was charged with defamation stemming from statements in his book, ‘Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System’ where he alleged that Babalola had compromised the Supreme Court.
In his ruling, the Chief Magistrates Court in the Ado Ekiti Division ordered that Farotimi be remanded at the state’s correctional centre.
Farotimi’s arrest has, however, sparked public outrage.
The 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, called for his immediate release in a post on his X handle.
Sowore stated, “It is pertinent that the Nigerian police are notified that the institution cannot continue to be used to settle personal scores, and we, the citizens of Nigeria, would no longer tolerate such a situation.
“Therefore, the police at Zone 2 in Lagos are advised to release Barrister Dele Farotimi immediately.”
Also, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, also condemned the arrest, describing it as illegal.
Falana demanded Farotimi’s unconditional release, stating, “The arrest is unlawful and we demand his immediate release from police custody.”
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A coalition of 774 civil society organisations has lauded President Bola Tinubu, Minister of Defence, National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and Nigeria’s security forces for their “remarkable progress” in curbing insecurity across the country, claiming a 90% reduction in violence and unrest.
In a statement issued on Friday, the coalition’s publicity secretary, Michael Chukwuma, hailed the administration’s achievements.
He stated that : “In just two years, this government has accomplished what previous administrations failed to do in decades.”
He highlighted restored peace in regions like Kaduna and the Northeast, where farmers have returned to their fields, travellers move freely, and communities feel safer.
He said within two years,bandit commanders and lieutenants, including the following, were killed:Halilu Sububu, Ali Kawajo, Dangote Kachallah, Murus Dan Tsoho, Mino Kachallah, Barumi Kachallah, Jafaru Kachallah, Kachallah Maibuhu Yellow, Yellow Dan Tsoho, Kachallah Dan Muhammadu, and Kachallah Makarko.
Others include Kachallah Hassan Yellow, Kudairu Kachallah, Kachallah Dan Baburki, Kachallah Mai Jankai Dan Auta, Kachallah Dan Isihu, and Kachallah Mati.The troops also eliminated thousands of their members.
In light of these achievements, we commend the federal government and encourage them to continue their efforts.Changes made:
Chukwuma described the security forces and leadership as “patriots who forgo sleep so we may rest in peace,” urging Nigerians to support their efforts rather than criticise them.
He accused detractors of undermining progress for ulterior motives, questioning their silence during past administrations when insecurity was rampant.
“Their complaints today ring hollow,” he said.
The coalition called for collective action, stressing that combating insecurity is not the government’s burden alone.
“Every Nigerian has a role to play,” Chukwuma said, urging citizens to report suspicious activities and foster unity.
He also called on state governors to prioritise citizens’ welfare over personal luxury, particularly in states like Zamfara, where hunger and fear persist.
The group encouraged Nigerians to hold leaders accountable while supporting their efforts to build a safer nation.
“Together, we can ensure every road is safe, every farm thrives, and every child dreams without fear,” Chukwuma said .
Chairman and CEO of NIDCOM, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, revealed this on Thursday while receiving three trafficked girls from Ghana, in Lagos.
Two girls, cousins aged 19 and 17, are from Bayelsa. The third girl, aged 18, is from Akwa Ibom.
Dabiri-Erewa said the rescue was possible through collaboration with NIDO Ghana, NAPTIP, the Nigerian High Commission, Ghana Police and Nigeria’s First Lady’s Office.
She expressed concern that in spite of awareness efforts, many still fall victim to traffickers.
According to her, parents must monitor their children closely, as traffickers are often known family members.
“That is what we’ve always said — parents must know who their children associate with.
“In trafficking chains, there’s always someone familiar who convinces the victim not to inform their family,” Dabiri-Erewa said.
She said about 200 survivors have been rescued from Ghana to Nigeria since January, with support from Chief Calistus Elozieuwa, NIDO Ghana Chairman.
Dabiri-Erewa confirmed that four traffickers behind the recent case had been arrested and would face prosecution.
The three rescued girls will be profiled by NAPTIP and returned to their families for rehabilitation.
“Four traffickers are in custody. Ten more survivors remain in Ghana but will return soon,” she said.
She emphasised the need for continued awareness and public education to curb human trafficking in Nigeria.
“Right now, ten survivors are with Chief Calistus in Ghana. NIDCOM supports agencies in this joint government effort.
“We help provide logistical aid. These girls will return to their states and rebuild their lives.
“NAPTIP will profile them, trace the traffickers, and ensure they’re brought to justice.
“Our role is to support these innocent children and help them pursue their dreams after such trauma,” Dabiri-Erewa said.
Dabiri-Erewa explained that one survivor said her aunty lured her and her cousin to Ghana, promising jobs in a boutique and bar.
After one day of rest, they were ordered to stand on the street for prostitution, which they refused.
“We had to escape. While walking, a man found us and took us to the police station,” the victim narrated.
They were then transferred to Chief Calistus Elozieuwa, who helped them reach the Nigerian High Commission and later, NIDCOM.
“Our host mistreated us after we refused prostitution. We escaped for our safety,” the Bayelsa-born girl added.
Another survivor from Akwa Ibom said her aunty promised her a supermarket job but forced her into prostitution.
She said she was beaten daily for refusing, and eventually had no choice but to comply.
She explained that one trafficked girl later escaped, returned with the police, and helped rescue the rest. (NAN)
Musa gave the commendation in his message to members of the Armed Force on the occasion of Easter Celebration on Thursday in Abuja.
He assured them that their sacrifices would not go unnoticed, urging them to continue to remain the bedrock of the nation’s stability and unity.
The CDS said that members of the armed forces had continued to embody the same spirit of selfless service through dedication to duty, loyalty to Nigeria, and unrelenting commitment to peace and national security.
“As we mark the celebration of Easter, I extend my heartfelt greetings to each and every one of you, those at home, on duty, and in various theatres of operations across the country and beyond.
“Easter is a season of reflection and renewal. It reminds us of the ultimate sacrifice made by our Lord Jesus Christ, and His resurrection which brings hope to all of humanity.
“This is a message of sacrifice, courage, and triumph over adversity which is especially significant to the members of the armed forces of Nigeria.
“Let us remember our fallen comrades, men and women who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.
“May their memories remain eternal and may their service never be forgotten.
“We also pray for the quick recovery of those wounded in action, and for strength and comfort for their families,” he said.
The defence chief urged them to use the period to reflect on the values that Easter represents; sacrifice, forgiveness, unity, and hope.
According to him, let it also be a time to renew their commitment to duty, discipline, and professionalism, as they work together to achieve the strategic objectives of the armed forces and to secure the peace that Nigeria desperately needs.
He expressed confidence in their ability to overcome the challenges before them.
“Together, we will continue to defend Nigeria’s sovereignty with honour and dignity,” he said.
Musa thanked President Bola Tinubu for his unrelenting efforts in ensuring a safer and prosperous nation.