Amnesty International has urged the Nigerian government to release human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi, who is currently in detention by the Nigeria Police Force in Ekiti State. The global human rights organization made its call on Wednesday, stressing that Farotimi’s detention in police custody raises concerns about fair treatment and transparency.
In a statement shared via social media, Amnesty International Nigeria emphasized that police interrogation centers in the country are notorious for human rights violations, casting doubt on the fairness of any treatment or investigation. The organization further criticized the escalating suppression of dissent under President Bola Tinubu’s government and urged the authorities to allow citizens to freely exercise their rights as outlined in Nigeria’s constitution and international law.
Amnesty’s statement read, “Dele Farotimi must be immediately and unconditionally released. In the custody of the Nigerian Police, there is little hope for fair treatment and no transparency. Police interrogation centers are known for possible violations. President Bola Tinubu’s government must put an end to this growing crackdown on dissent and ensure that Nigerians can freely enjoy their human rights as guaranteed by law.”
The call for Farotimi’s release follows a recent report by Chronicles Reporter, which revealed that the Ekiti State Magistrate Court in Ado-Ekiti had denied him bail. Farotimi is facing accusations related to cybercrime after publishing a book, Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System, in which he made statements about prominent figures in the Nigerian legal system.
Farotimi was arrested at his Lagos residence and transferred to Ekiti State following a petition from senior lawyer, Chief Afe Babalola (SAN). He faces charges under suit number MAD/1,476.C/2024, with the Ekiti State Commissioner of Police listed as the complainant.
The charges against Farotimi include allegations of publishing defamatory statements about Afe Babalola and other legal professionals. The accusations claim that the content of Farotimi’s book is intended to cause public alarm and damage the reputation of the individuals mentioned, particularly through claims that Afe Babalola and others compromised the integrity of the Supreme Court.
The court session on Wednesday ended with a refusal to grant bail, and the case has been adjourned until December 10, 2024.
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