Nigerians have expressed outrage as human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi appeared in Court Monday in the defamation suit brought against him by the Nigeria Police.
The sight of Mr. Farotimi being marshalled into the Federal High Court Ado Ekiti in handcuffs by policemen caused a social media firestorm as many Nigerians condemned the judicial system, which turns a civil suit to a criminal case, while a criminal case to a civil suit.
They compared former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello accused of fraud and money laundering who was seen smiling and walking free to Farotimi who was visibly distressed.
The case against Farotimi was instigated by Afe Babalola, a 95 years old Senior Advocate of Nigeria who accused Farotimi of defaming him in his book titled ‘Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System’.
After Monday’s hearing Farotimi was granted bail on a stringent sum of N50 million with a surety with the same amount. Justice Babs O. Kuewumi, presiding adjourned the case to January 29, 2025, for further proceedings.
Reactions on social media.
Deji Adeyanju: “Shame on everyone involved in this embarrassment to the legal profession.
“A lawyer in handcuffs over defamation, not armed robbery, kidnapping or any crime.
“No wonder they abducted Dele Farotimi and took him to where Baba Afe Babalola is king, Ekiti.”
Inibehe Effiong: “Can @CorrectionsNg explain why they had to handcuff @DeleFarotimi while taking him to the Federal High Court in Ado Ekiti this morning for arraignment?
“This is preposterous. He did not pose any threat, and did not resist being taken to court.
“Dele Farotimi is a political prisoner and will come out stronger.”
Rinu Oduala: “Dele Farotimi is put in handcuffs for an offence that doesn’t even exist in the laws. Is he a criminal or a political prisoner?
“The Nigeria Government should let us know. #FreeDeleFarotimiNow.”
Ettu Mohammad: “A man who allegedly cornered over N100 billion belonging to Kogi is walking freely without cuffs while the other person who was accused of defamation is walking with handcuff.”
Adeyeye Olorunfemi: “Dele Farotimi in handcuffs. Yahaya Bello walking majestically. Tale of two justice systems. Yet the criminal justice system is not corrupt, according to some people.”