THERE are currently no protesters sighted at the Ministry of Justice in Abuja supporting human rights activist Dele Farotimi in his legal dispute with the founder of Afe Babalola University in Ado-Ekiti.
Protesters were expected to gather at the ministry at 7 AM this morning to show their support for Farotimi. However, security personnel have been deployed to ensure peace and order in the area.
This follows the Take It Back Movement’s announcement yesterday that they would proceed with planned protests in Ekiti, Lagos, Abuja, London, and Canada.
A flier shared by the movement on its official X account on Sunday indicated that the rally would take place despite police warnings against such gatherings. The flyer, titled “Nationwide/Global Protest Against The Nigerian Judiciary,” urged Nigerians to refuse silence.
Additionally, a one-minute video released by the organizers featured activist and politician Omoyele Sowore stating, “An unjust act of oppression cannot stand, no matter how ‘well presented’ it may seem under the guise of law! On December 10, 2024, in Lagos, Abuja, Ado-Ekiti, Benin City, Toronto, and London, those intoxicated by power will be faced with the power of the people!”
This situation arose after Aare Afe Babalola (SAN), the founder of Afe Babalola University, stated last Friday that Farotimi was attempting to damage his long-established reputation.
Babalola stated that he had petitioned the police to investigate Farotimi’s defamatory remarks in the book “Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.” He noted that the law enforcement’s action against Farotimi was a necessary step for justice to be served.
As a result of this petition, police in Ekiti State arrested Farotimi in Lagos on Tuesday and brought him before an Ekiti State Magistrates Court in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday for charges related to defaming the elder statesman.
The police mentioned that Farotimi had accused Babalola of judicial corruption during an appearance on Mic On Podcast, hosted by prominent journalist Seun Okinbaloye.
In related news, a group calling itself Justice for Afe Babalola Legacy (JABL) has warned protesters planning to demonstrate in Abuja, Lagos, and Ekiti regarding the legal dispute to refrain from doing so or face severe consequences.