Pressure mounts on Afe Babalola to release activist after illegal arrest by police

Prominent Nigerian legal figure Afe Babalola is under growing global pressure to release human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi, who was arrested by Nigerian police in response to allegations made in his book Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System.

Farotimi’s detention has sparked widespread criticism from international rights organizations, diaspora groups, and writers, with many accusing Babalola of abusing his influence to suppress dissent.

The case has also embroiled King’s College London, which hosts the Afe Babalola Centre for Transnational Education.

Activists and advocacy groups are demanding the institution cancel its association with Babalola and return his £10 million donation.

Farotimi’s book accuses Babalola and his legal team of compromising Nigeria’s Supreme Court in a series of controversial rulings. Following these claims, Babalola filed a petition leading to Farotimi’s arrest.

The charges against Farotimi include defamation and cybercrime, which his supporters argue are a direct attack on his freedom of expression.

Despite widespread criticism, an Ekiti State magistrate court denied bail to Farotimi, with the next hearing scheduled for December 10, 2024.

Amnesty International has expressed concern over Farotimi’s safety, lamenting over the notorious conditions of police custody in Nigeria and demanding his immediate release.

Amnesty International, in a recent statement, criticized the arrest as part of a crackdown on dissenting voices in Nigeria.

“Dele Farotimi must be immediately and unconditionally released,” the organization said.

According to Sahara Reporters, global pressure is also mounting on King’s College London, which established the Afe Babalola Centre in 2023 to promote educational opportunities for young Africans.

The institution is reportedly consulting Amnesty International for advice on how to address the backlash.