DELE FAROTIMI, a prominent Nigerian human rights lawyer and activist has described his recent release from a correctional facility in Ekiti State as a triumph of unity and collective action by Nigerians.
His 20-day detention, stemming from criminal defamation charges filed by senior lawyer Afe Babalola, became a rallying point for citizens across the nation, transcending ethnic, religious, and political divides.
Reflecting on his ordeal, Mr Farotimi expressed profound gratitude to Nigerians for their unwavering support.
“I thank each and every one of you,” he said in a YouTube video titled The Walk to Freedom. “Because you wouldn’t see me as a Yoruba man, you spoke for me. Because you wouldn’t see me as a Christian, you spoke for me. You demanded that the right thing be done consistently. Nigeria couldn’t happen to me because you found your voice.”
The case against Mr Farotimi arose from his book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System, which accuses Mr Babalola of influencing the Supreme Court in favour of his clients. The legal battle included 16 counts of criminal defamation at the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Ado Ekiti and 12 cybercrime charges at the Federal High Court. Despite the gravity of the charges, the public outcry and visible solidarity ensured his release after he met bail conditions.
In the days following his detention, Mr. Farotimi’s video resonated widely, offering a glimpse into his experience behind bars.
“I view prison as a finishing school,” he remarked. “It showed me exactly how ugly our country is. While I didn’t like the food, I didn’t have to eat it. My focus isn’t on me in some pity form but on the systemic flaws affecting countless nameless Nigerians languishing in prison.”
This isn’t the first time Nigerians have united to challenge injustice. Similar instances, such as the #EndSARS protests have demonstrated the power of collective voices. Mr Farotimi’s case is yet another reminder of how solidarity can disrupt entrenched systems of power and privilege.
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The support he received was not limited to ordinary Nigerians. Notable figures, including former presidential candidate Peter Obi and activist Omoyele Sowore, played critical roles. Mr Obi visited Mr Farotimi in prison, while Mr Sowore mobilized the Revolution Now Movement to amplify calls for justice.
“It’s humbling,” Mr. Farotimi acknowledged. “Everyone, across every strata of society, spoke as one.”
The legal battle has also reignited debates on the state of Nigeria’s judicial system. For Mr. Farotimi, this is not merely a personal struggle but a call to action.
“I shall rigorously defend every one of the many civil and criminal suits filed against me,” he vowed. “When we are done, I will ensure that some lawyers never practice law in this country again.”
His reflections extended beyond his case to broader systemic issues, including the plight of lesser-known individuals trapped in the justice system. Drawing parallels to high-profile cases and publicized injustices, he urged Nigerians to use his experience as a catalyst for reform.
The public interest in Mr. Farotimi’s plight also had an unexpected outcome: a surge in sales of his book. Initially released on July 2, the book climbed to the top of Amazon’s bestseller list in the elections category within 24 hours of his arrest, driven by heightened curiosity about his critiques of Nigeria’s legal system.
“Your voices strengthened me,” he said. “You left nobody in doubt about what you were demanding. This isn’t just my story; it’s ours.”
