Nigerian human rights lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi was arrested in Lagos on December 3, 2024, and transferred to Ekiti State, following allegations of defamation linked to his book Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System. The book critically examines the country’s legal system and includes claims that Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Afe Babalola influenced judicial decisions.
Farotimi faced 16 counts of criminal defamation under Sections 373–375 of the Criminal Code Act 1990, and an additional 12 counts under Section 24 of the Cybercrimes Act 2015, related to his online comments reiterating the book’s claims. Legal experts have raised concerns about the charges, noting that criminal defamation has been decriminalized in Ekiti, Lagos, and Edo states, suggesting that such matters should be addressed as civil cases.
The arrest sparked nationwide protests and the social media campaign #FreeDeleFarotimiNow, with activists and legal professionals advocating for his release and emphasizing the importance of free speech. Despite the legal challenges, Farotimi’s book gained significant attention, topping Amazon’s bestseller list in its category.
A court later issued an injunction halting the distribution and sale of the book, following a lawsuit filed by Babalola, who alleged that certain portions contained defamatory statements.
Farotimi was granted bail set at ₦50 million by an Ekiti State court. The case continues to fuel discussions on the balance between free expression and defamation laws in Nigeria.
For further insights into the implications of Farotimi’s prosecution, you can watch the following analysis:
