Nigerian human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi, has vowed to seek legal redress against those responsible for his arrest and detention in connection with a defamation case filed by senior lawyer, Afe Babalola.
Farotimi was arrested by the police in Lagos in December 2024 and taken to Ekiti State, where he was charged with defamation over comments in his book, “Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.” A magistrate court subsequently ordered his remand for 21 days.
Although Babalola later withdrew the case, Farotimi has announced plans to sue, citing the misuse of state power to pursue a private matter.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Farotimi said, “To be frank with you, when you use the word peace, let me continue to reassert that I was always at peace. But when it comes to demanding an account of those who have perverted the powers of the state in pursuit of a private cause, you can be certain of one thing: some people will account for my incarceration, but that is not a matter for banter. That is something for the courts to decide.”
He added, “So even though the criminal suit has been withdrawn, the civil suits are there, and what I would like to do in response to my incarceration is another ball game entirely, but you can take it to the bank: I will certainly be demanding an account from those who sent me to prison.”
Farotimi’s determination to seek justice has sparked interest in the legal community, with many awaiting the outcome of his planned lawsuit.
