Okonkwo Raises Alarm Over Dele Farotimi’s Safety in Prison

Human rights lawyer Kenneth Okonkwo has cried out for the safety of activist Dele Farotimi, who is being detained at a correctional facility in Ekiti State. Okonkwo, a one-time Obi/Datti Campaign Organisation spokesperson, said this in a statement on the basis of the danger that Farotimi had put himself into with his recent criticisms of the country’s judiciary and powerful class.

Lawyer and social critic Farotimi was arrested in Lagos on December 3, 2024, for allegedly defaming the character of a foremost legal practitioner and founder of Afe Babalola University, Afe Babalola, SAN. The case flows from claims made by Farotimi in his book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System, wherein he said the judiciary was corrupt. Charged with 16 counts of defamation, he has pleaded not guilty and awaits his next court hearing on December 10, 2024​.

Okonkwo took to his X (formerly Twitter) handle to emphasize the need for guarantees of Farotimi’s safety during his incarceration. He stated, “Now that Dele Farotimi is sticking to his g*ns on the purported defamation matter, his life must be protected at all costs in prison.” He expressed fears that corrupt elites could use underhanded tactics to silence Farotimi, warning against any health emergencies being used as a cover for harm​.

The arrest and denial of bail have been decried largely by both activists and the general public, who felt this was an affront to free speech. Fellow activist Omoyele Sowore said the prosecution was a premeditated one and that the police and judiciary had colluded in that respect. He went further to say that it was for the purpose of remanding Farotimi that the judiciary fast-tracked the case without going into the proper consideration for bail​.

The defense counsel had argued the case out in court, insisting the charges were bailable and that Farotimi would not jump bail since he was not found guilty yet. However, the chief magistrate ruled on remand pending further investigation​.

Okonkwo said he had demanded that police respect the due process of law since international attention had been drawn to the matter. “The authorities must be aware that the whole world is watching. They have chosen the legal option and must not resort to anything funny,” he added.

This highly publicized case has revived debates on the crossing of defamation laws with the freedom of expression as activists and commentators warn that it is setting a legal mechanism to muzzle dissent​.