In a case that has sparked international outrage, prominent Nigerian legal figure Afe Babalola is facing growing calls for the release of human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi, who was arrested by Nigerian authorities following allegations made in Farotimi’s recent book, Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System. The controversy has attracted the attention of international human rights organizations, diaspora groups, and writers, many of whom accuse Babalola of leveraging his considerable influence to suppress dissent and stifle free expression.
Farotimi’s detention stems from the accusations outlined in his book, which claims that Babalola and his legal team were involved in compromising the Nigerian Supreme Court through a series of controversial rulings. In response to the book’s allegations, Babalola filed a petition leading to Farotimi’s arrest on charges of defamation and cybercrime—charges that his supporters argue are thinly veiled attempts to silence his critique of the justice system.
The Growing International Backlash
The arrest of Farotimi has triggered widespread condemnation from human rights organizations and global advocacy groups. Amnesty International, which has long been critical of the Nigerian government’s treatment of activists, voiced deep concern about Farotimi’s safety, especially given the notoriously harsh conditions of police custody in the country. The organization has called for his immediate release, branding his detention as a clear example of Nigeria’s crackdown on dissent.
“Dele Farotimi must be immediately and unconditionally released,” said Amnesty International in a statement. “His arrest is part of a broader, disturbing trend of silencing critics and repressing freedom of expression in Nigeria.”
In addition to the support from human rights groups, the case has stirred significant attention among diaspora communities, academics, and writers around the world. Many have raised alarms about the chilling effect that such actions have on free speech and the ability to critically engage with powerful figures in Nigerian society.
King’s College London Under Fire
The controversy has also embroiled King’s College London, where Babalola’s name and legacy are closely tied to the Afe Babalola Centre for Transnational Education, a program designed to foster educational opportunities for young Africans. Established in 2023, the center was funded by Babalola’s generous £10 million donation, but in light of the current events, activists are urging the institution to sever ties with the Nigerian legal figure.
Campaigners are demanding that King’s College London cancel its association with Babalola and return his donation, arguing that continuing to collaborate with him sends the wrong message about the institution’s stance on human rights. Reports from Sahara Reporters indicate that the university is currently consulting with Amnesty International to determine how to navigate the mounting backlash.
Charges and Denial of Bail
As the pressure mounts, Farotimi remains in police custody in Nigeria. Despite widespread protests and international condemnation, an Ekiti State magistrate court recently denied him bail, with his next hearing scheduled for December 10, 2024. Supporters of Farotimi are criticizing the denial of bail as yet another move designed to stifle his voice and prevent his release.
Farotimi’s supporters are rallying behind him, calling for a global response to what they view as a politically motivated arrest. They argue that the charges of defamation and cybercrime against him are unwarranted and should be seen for what they truly are: an attempt to suppress critical voices and maintain the status quo of judicial corruption in Nigeria.
The Road Ahead
The situation remains fluid, with increasing pressure on both the Nigerian government and international institutions such as King’s College London to act decisively. The calls for Farotimi’s immediate release are intensifying, and if the global community continues to rally around the cause, it could lead to a turning point in Nigeria’s ongoing struggle for justice and free speech.
For now, all eyes are on December 10, when Farotimi’s next court hearing will take place, as the world waits to see if Nigeria will heed the call for justice or continue its crackdown on those who dare to speak truth to power.