UK-Based Activists Gather At King’s College London To Protest Against Detention Of Dele Farotimi
Farotimi was arrested and is being detained by the Nigeria Police Force in Ekiti State, following a petition filed by Babalola, accusing him (Farotimi) of defamation in his book titled, “Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System.”
Activists in London are organising a protest at the King’s College London (KCL) in the United Kingdom, against Nigerian legal luminary, Afe Babalola, SAN, over the arrest and trial of human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi.
Farotimi was arrested and is being detained by the Nigeria Police Force in Ekiti State, following a petition filed by Babalola, accusing him (Farotimi) of defamation in his book titled, “Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System.”
The protest is aimed to raise awareness of the injustice Farotimi is facing and to demand his release.
The protesters will gather at King’s College London to show solidarity and urge the Nigerian judiciary to address the issues surrounding Farotimi’s detention.
Human rights activist, Olawale Bakare, known as Mandate, has taken to social media to encourage Londoners to participate in the protest at KCL on December 10.
Bakare is calling out Afe Babalola’s actions as oppressive and urging people to stand together for justice.
“Protecting free speech and standing up for one another are essential to building a better Nigeria,” Bakare stated, highlighting the need for unity in the fight for justice.
He urged people to join the protest and demand Farotimi’s unconditional release.
“If you’re in London, join us at KCL on Tuesday to protest against Afe Babalola’s tyranny and demand the unconditional release of Dele Farotimi.
“A free Nigeria begins with protecting free speech and standing up for each other. Be there! #FreeDeleFarotimi,” Bakare wrote.
The protest in London is part of a broader movement led by prominent human rights activist Omoyele Sowore and the Take It Back Movement.
SaharaReporters had reported that the Take It Back Movement (TIB), a human rights advocacy organisation in Nigeria had previously declared December 10 as a day of global protests against the Nigerian police for remanding Farotimi over alleged defamation of Afe Babalola.
The protest, titled “Nigerians refuse to be SILENCED,” will take place in Lagos at Afe Babalola Chambers, in Abuja at the Federal Ministry of Justice, at the Ekiti Police Headquarters in Ado-Ekiti, and at King’s College London.
SaharaReporters also reported that King’s College London faced increasing pressure from international groups to cancel its Afe Babalola Centre for Transnational Education, which is named after Babalola, and to return his donation.
Human rights organisations and international writers are calling on the university to take action in response to Babalola’s alleged abuse of power.
