A coalition of civil society organizations has petitioned the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), urging its President to take decisive action against certain legal professionals and judicial officers allegedly involved in the controversial arrest and prosecution of human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi.
The coalition appealed to the NBA to pressure the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), to withdraw all charges against Farotimi, describing them as politically motivated. They also demanded disciplinary action against Ekiti State Chief Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun, accusing him of judicial misconduct and unprofessionalism.
Additionally, the coalition called for sanctions against prominent legal practitioners, including Afe Babalola (SAN) and his team of senior advocates: Adebayo Adenipekun (SAN), Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN), Olu Daramola (SAN), Prof. Akinseye George (SAN), and others, alleging complicity in the case.
According to the coalition, Farotimi was forcibly taken from his Lagos office by officers of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) without a warrant. He was subsequently transferred to Ekiti State, where he faces charges linked to his book, “Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.” The book is alleged to contain content capable of inciting public unrest and defaming Afe Babalola.
The charges also include alleged violations of the Cybercrimes Act, brought before a Federal High Court. While the Federal High Court granted Farotimi bail, the Magistrate Court, presided over by Magistrate Adeosun, delayed his bail hearing, an act the coalition termed as “judicial rascality.”
The coalition, comprising organizations such as the Youth Rights Campaign (YRC), Education Rights Campaign (ERC), and Save Democracy Mega Alliance (SDMA), jointly condemned the handling of the case. They described the charges as “trumped-up” and accused Afe Babalola and his associates of using the judiciary to suppress dissent.
In their letter to the NBA, the groups stated:
> “We urge the Attorney General of the Federation to exercise his constitutional powers to discontinue the charges against Dele Farotimi. Should these charges persist, we will organize peaceful demonstrations nationwide to protest the ongoing persecution of Mr. Farotimi.”
The coalition emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law and protecting human rights, urging the NBA to discipline Magistrate Adeosun and the senior advocates involved. They argued that such actions would reinforce the integrity of the legal profession and ensure that justice is not weaponized against citizens.
As the matter continues to unfold, the coalition has vowed to intensify its advocacy to ensure that Farotimi receives a fair trial and that judicial misconduct is addressed comprehensively.
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