“Change is brought about by people like us! We all have a voice and what matters is how we use it and that we do use it.”

Aisha Oyebode
(CEO, Murtala Muhammed Foundation)

Dear Active Citizen,

The past week has been marked by a significant and troubling case that puts Nigeria’s legal system and the rights of its citizens under the spotlight. Here’s a detailed account of the events surrounding the arrest, detention, and recent bail of human rights lawyer and activist, Dele Farotimi, alongside the broader implications for justice and governance in Nigeria.

Dele Farotimi was accused of defamation in two separate petitions:

1. By Tony O. Elumelu, regarding statements made against him. Elumelu petitioned the police in Lagos, where defamation is a civil, not criminal, offence. Dele honored two police invitations.

2. By Afe Babalola, founder of Afe Babalola University, regarding claims in Dele's book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.

Arrest and Detention

On Tuesday, December 3^rd, Dele was controversially transported to Ado-Ekiti in what many have described as an abduction for a civil offence. Despite defamation being a bailable offence, he was denied bail and remanded until December 10.

On Friday, December 6^th, the office of the Inspector General of Police filed a fresh case comprising 12 counts of cybercrimes arising from the defamation allegations against Mr Farotimi at the Federal High Court in Ado Ekiti.

Today,  Monday, December 9^th, the Federal High Court in Ado Ekiti granted Dele Farotimi bail in the sum of ₦50 million with a surety possessing landed property of equivalent value. The case was adjourned to January 29, 2025.

The contrast in how the Nigerian legal system treats different individuals is glaring. On one hand, Dele Farotimi is paraded in handcuffs for alleged defamation a non-violent, bailable offence. On the other hand, Yahaya Bello walks freely despite allegations of corruption and abuse of power.

According to the Ekiti Criminal Law, and in the law’s entire 492 sections, defamation is not recognized as a criminal offence. This highlights the glaring irregularities in Dele’s case, as the actions taken appear designed to compromise due process and intimidate him rather than uphold justice.

The Nigerian Police Force’s handling of the case underscores systemic flaws, including the misuse of law enforcement to suppress dissenting voices rather than ensuring justice.

Insights from the #myLGA Roundtable

On Thursday, December 5, we convened a diverse group of stakeholders for the #myLGA Roundtable to discuss the critical role of citizen engagement in strengthening local governance. The event highlighted the recent Supreme Court ruling granting financial autonomy to local governments, sparking discussions on its potential to empower grassroots governance.

Participants explored the challenges of implementing this autonomy effectively, the importance of independent local elections, and the need for transparent budget processes. The roundtable emphasized collaboration between civil society organizations, local government officials, and media practitioners to foster accountability and improve service delivery.

Enjoy the rest of the week.
The EiE Nigeria Team.