Take-It-Back Movement Declares Protests Over Remand Of Dele Farotimi

The Take-It-Back Movement, a pro-democracy organization, has announced a nationwide and global protest on December 10 in response to the Nigerian police’s detention of human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi, over accusations of defaming legal icon Afe Babalola.

Farotimi, who faces cybercrime charges, was denied bail by the Ekiti State Magistrate Court in Ado-Ekiti. His arrest followed a petition filed by Chief Afe Babalola (SAN).

Many Nigerians have expressed outrage over the court’s decision to remand Farotimi, viewing it as a reflection of the judicial corruption he had previously criticized.

Read Also: What Dele Farotimi Wrote About Afe Babalola

To maintain the pressure, the Take-It-Back Movement has declared December 10, 2024, as the day for protests under the theme: “Nigerians refuse to be SILENCED.” Demonstrations will take place in several locations, including Lagos at the Afe Babalola Chambers, Abuja at the Federal Ministry of Justice, Ekiti Police Headquarters in Ado-Ekiti, and at Kings’ College Campus in London, United Kingdom.

The case, under charge suit number MAD/1,476.C/2024, sees the Ekiti State Commissioner of Police as the complainant, with Farotimi as the defendant.

Read Also: Read Afe Babalola’s Petition Against Dele Farotimi

Some of the charges had read, “That you Dele Farotimi ‘m’ sometimes in 2024 authored, published and circulated your book titled: “Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System” which was received and read all over the world including Ado-Ekiti within the Ado-Ekiti Magisterial District wherein you stated at page IX of the book: “That Aare Afe Babalola corrupted the Supreme Court to procure a fraudulent judgment in the service of his clients” which is likely to cause fear and alarm to the public or disturb the public peace knowing or having reason to believe that the Statements is false and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 59(1) of Criminal Code Act.