The federal government has been given a 48-hour deadline to free human rights lawyer Dr. Dele Farotimi, who is currently held at a correctional facility in Ekiti State.
This demand was made by Comrade Timi Frank, a former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Farotimi’s imprisonment stems from an alleged defamation case linked to his book, “Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System,” in which he accused Senior Advocate of Nigeria Afe Babalola of undermining the Supreme Court.
In a statement released on Thursday, December 5, Frank criticized the arrest, asserting, “Farotimi does not deserve this. He is a man who believes in and respects the rule of law.”
He contended that this detention is part of a larger strategy by the government to intimidate the rights advocate for his outspoken criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Frank claimed that Farotimi’s arrest is not merely about the defamation charge but is an attempt to stifle his vocal opposition to government policies.
He urged for collective action if the government does not release Farotimi, warning, “If they don’t release him unconstitutionally within 48 hours, Nigerians should occupy all police stations and formations.”
Additionally, he condemned the judiciary and police for becoming instruments of oppression under the current regime.
Frank highlighted the peril of silencing dissenters, quoting German Pastor Martin Niemöller to stress the importance of unity in safeguarding democracy: “It is Farotimi today, it may be another Nigerian tomorrow.”
