Outrage as Dele Farotimi Appears in Court Handcuffed Over Defamation Case

Nigerians have expressed outrage after human rights activist Dele Farotimi appeared at the Ekiti State High Court in handcuffs.

Farotimi, escorted by officers of the Nigeria Police Force, was brought to court on Monday following his arrest last week in Lagos by the Ekiti State Police Command.

His arrest stems from a defamation lawsuit filed by 95-year-old Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Afe Babalola. The senior lawyer accused Farotimi of defaming him in a book titled Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System.

During Monday’s court session, Farotimi was granted bail under stringent conditions, including a N50 million bond and a surety of the same amount.

The activist’s appearance in handcuffs has sparked widespread criticism, with many describing it as an affront to justice and the legal profession. Reacting to the incident, activist lawyer Deji Adeyanju condemned the use of handcuffs, stating, “Shame on everyone involved in this embarrassment to the legal profession. A lawyer in handcuffs over defamation, not armed robbery, kidnapping, or any crime.”

Another lawyer and human rights advocate, Inibehe Effiong, questioned the rationale behind the handcuffing. “Can @CorrectionsNg explain why they had to handcuff @DeleFarotimi while taking him to the Federal High Court in Ado Ekiti this morning for arraignment? This is preposterous. He did not pose any threat and did not resist being taken to court. Dele Farotimi is a political prisoner and will come out stronger.”

Social justice advocate Rinu Oduala also criticized the move, writing, “Dele Farotimi is put in handcuffs for an offence that doesn’t even exist in the laws. Is he a criminal or a political prisoner? The Nigeria Government should let us know. #FreeDeleFarotimiNow.”

Similarly, a Twitter user, Darey, added, “Afe Babalola put Dele Farotimi in handcuffs for defamation, which is a CIVIL MATTER. Nigeria and its CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM.”

The controversy has intensified debates on the misuse of legal procedures in civil cases, with many calling for Farotimi’s immediate release and an end to what they describe as intimidation tactics against activists.