The Afe Babalola Chambers in the Magodo area of Lagos on Tuesday became a focal point of tension as police officers were stationed outside the premises to maintain security amid a planned protest. This development highlights the ongoing legal and social drama surrounding Dele Farotimi, a human rights lawyer and activist.
Farotimi is currently embroiled in a legal battle, facing charges before the Ekiti State Magistrate Court. The charges stem from allegations of defamation against Afe Babalola, a prominent legal icon, through Farotimi's book titled "Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System."
The book has sparked considerable controversy, leading to Farotimi's arrest by the Ekiti State police on charges of defamation and cyberbullying. He was granted bail on cybercrime charges on Monday but appeared in court again on Tuesday for arraignment over the defamation allegations.
The situation escalated when the 'Take it Back Movement,' led by former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, organized a protest in support of Farotimi. The movement called for a nationwide and global protest against what they perceive as an unjust judicial system.
The Afe Babalola Chambers was designated as one of the starting points for this protest, alongside other locations such as the Federal Ministry of Justice in Abuja, Police Headquarters in Ekiti, and Kings’ College Campus in London.
Despite the planned protests, reports indicated that there were no protesters at the designated venues at the time of reporting. However, police patrol vans were visible at some locations, signifying the authorities' readiness to prevent any potential disruption.
The legal proceedings against Farotimi have drawn widespread attention and criticism. A coalition of civil society organizations has called for the charges against him to be dropped, labeling his arrest as unconstitutional. Atiku Abubakar, a prominent political figure, expressed concern over Farotimi's detention under what he described as a non-existent law.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, former Governor Peter Obi visited Afe Babalola in his office in Ekiti on Monday. Obi's visit, which also included a stop at the jail where Farotimi is being held, drew criticism from Omoyele Sowore.
In a tweet, Sowore condemned the visit, stating, "I condemn those who went to ‘beg’ Chief Afe Babalola today over the unjust detention and persecution of @DeleFarotimi; the delegation led by @PeterObi did colossal injustice to the struggle to drain the swamp of judicial criminality in our country."
The controversy surrounding Farotimi's book has only intensified since his incarceration. Initially experiencing low sales after its release in July, the book has become a bestseller on Amazon within three days of Farotimi's arrest. Nigerians, both at home and abroad, have flocked to purchase the book, eager to read the accusations of corruption leveled against Babalola.
In a related development, revelations from a leaked U.S. government cable have surfaced, alleging that Afe Babalola spent at least $1.125 million on five judges at the Court of Appeal in the early 2000s to secure a favorable judgment for his client, then Adamawa Governor Boni Haruna. These allegations have further fueled public interest and scrutiny of the ongoing legal saga.
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