Man of the year: How Dele Farotimi’s ordeal reflects Nigeria’s compromised justice system 

“Welcome to Nigeria!” 

The air hostess said over the plane comms system as passengers prepared to alight after a six-hour flight from London to Lagos. 

One of the passengers, a Briton who had come for a brief business meeting in one of West African commercial nerve centres, recalled that true to this “welcome” some immigration officials at the checkout started gesturing to him for financial favours. 

“Welcome sir, welcome sir, what did you bring for us?” One of the state officials whispered, hiding his muffled voice behind a giggle which suggested his modus operandi of extortion. 

“Welcome to Nigeria indeed,” the Briton mused and walked past, to the disappointment of his “admirers” who quickly changed attention to other entrants. 

Almost all the Nigerian uniformed and security agencies are guilty of corrupt practices and among them, the police stand out which is because it relates day-to-day with the citizenry. 

In a country where the voices of the marginalised are often silenced, and the corrupt are frequently shielded from accountability, the police are ready tools to silence one’s enemies. 

Despite this ugly situation, human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi stands tall as a beacon of hope. 

As a human rights activist, lawyer, and advocate for truth, Farotimi has demonstrated unwavering dedication to the pursuit of justice and equality in Nigeria.

Farotimi’s commitment to human rights is evident in his tireless efforts to promote and protect the dignity of all Nigerians. He has been at the forefront of campaigns against police brutality, advocating for the rights of victims and their families. 

His vocal condemnation of human rights abuses has earned him recognition and respect from local and international human rights organisations.

On December 24, he was finally released from Ado-Ekiti custodial centre where he had been incarcerated for weeks over alleged defamation.

Farotimi was arrested following a petition by legal luminary, Chief Afe Babalola (SAN), alleging defamation.

However, it was learnt that Farotimi had finally been released after perfecting his bail.

Despite being granted bail by both the Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State on cybercrime charges brought by the Nigeria Police and a Magistrate Court in Ado-Ekiti on criminal defamation charges, Farotimi had earlier remained in detention at the Ado-Ekiti correctional centre.

Though Justice Babs O. Kuewumi of the Federal High Court in Ekiti granted Dele Farotimi’s bail application on December 9, 2024, his release had been delayed due to bureaucratic hurdles.

The court needed to verify documents submitted by his sureties with banks and government agencies, which was only completed last Friday.

Farotimi is facing trial in two courts on charges bordering on the alleged defamation of Afe Babalola.

On December 9, the Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State granted Farotimi N50 million bail with one surety, following a 12-count charge bordering on cybercrime filed by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

The Federal High Court granted bail to Farotimi after the police filed charges against him over allegations of cybercrime.

Justice Babs O. Kuewumi ruled on December 9, 2024, that Farotimi should be released on bail, but with some conditions. Specifically, Farotimi needed to provide a surety of N50 million and a guarantor who owns a landed property worth the same amount as the surety.

Justice Kuewumi adjourned the case to January 29, 2025, for further proceedings.

On Friday, December 20, 2023, at the hearing of Farotimi’s bail application at the Ekiti State Magistrate Court in Ado-Ekiti, Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun ruled in favour of Farotimi’s bail request.

The magistrate court granted Farotimi N30 million bail. The bail conditions included provision of two responsible sureties and required Farotimi to surrender his passport to the court.

One of the sureties must be a house owner.

Additionally, the defendant was barred from granting any media interview.

Before the bail ruling, Adeosun ruled against Farotimi’s defence lawyer, Yinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN), prohibiting him from appearing for his client in the case.

Farotimi’s fight against corruption is a major aspect of his remarkable work. He has fearlessly taken on corrupt government officials, institutions, and individuals, using his expertise as a lawyer to expose and challenge their nefarious activities. 

His unwavering stance against corruption has inspired a new generation of Nigerians to demand accountability from their leaders.

In a society where truth is often distorted or suppressed, Farotimi has remained steadfast in his commitment to speaking truth to power. 

56-year-old Farotimi’s courage and conviction have been tested time and again, most notably during his arrest by the Nigerian police.

He has gained prominence for his writings, public speeches, and media appearances, critiquing Nigeria’s political structure and societal challenges.

He is a member of the Citizen’s Rally Against Oppression (RAMINBA). 

He has authored several books, including: Do Not Die In Their War (2021) and Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System (2024) which landed him in his most recent ordeal. 

His saga with Afe Babalola, a prominent lawyer and founder of Afe Babalola University, is a testament to his unwavering commitment to the truth. 

Farotimi’s determination to expose the truth, despite the powerful forces arrayed against him, is a shining example of his courage and integrity.

Dele Farotimi’s selfless dedication to human rights, anti-corruption efforts, and truth-telling makes him an exemplary individual who embodies the values of courage, integrity, and compassion. 

On February 24, 2021, Farotimi petitioned the State Security Service (SSS) and the Lagos State Police Command over threats to assassinate him by top officials in the government, in what many believe was an effort to silence his outspoken criticism of systemic corruption and governance in Nigeria

His unwavering commitment to the truth, even in the face of persecution, is a beacon of hope for a nation plagued by corruption and injustice. 

As a nation, Nigeria needs more individuals like Farotimi, who are willing to stand up for what is right, even when it is difficult or dangerous.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Dele Farotimi is undoubtedly the man of the year in Nigeria. 

His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come, and his impact will be felt for years to come.