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Global protest, Nigerians Refuse to Be Silenced

By: Amaechi Okoro

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The Take It Back Movement, alongside concerned citizens, Coalition for the protection of Democracy (COPDEM) civil rights groups, and the Nigerian diaspora, announces a nationwide and global protest against the continuous misuse of the judicial system and law enforcement to suppress dissent. On December 10, 2024, protests will take place simultaneously in Lagos, Abuja, Ekiti, and London to condemn the brazen oppression of civil rights activist Dele Farotimi and the increasing erosion of the rule of law in Nigeria.

This global protest will focus on:

Lagos: Afe Babalola Chambers

Abuja: Federal Ministry of Justice

Ekiti: Police Headquarters, Ado-Ekiti

London: King’s College Campus

The date, International Human Rights Day, serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility to uphold freedom, justice, and equity.

The arrest of Dele Farotimi, a prominent human rights activist and author of Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System, highlights the state’s increasing intolerance for dissent. His book criticizes systemic corruption within the judiciary, drawing from his personal encounters with powerful figures, including Chief Afe Babalola, SAN.

Farotimi was arrested on allegations of defamation, a charge that, under the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011, is no longer a criminal offense. His law firm was also reportedly invaded by police, with staff and lawyers harassed, their phones confiscated, and their dignity trampled upon.

The arrest and invasion have been widely condemned by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), which emphasized the illegality of such actions. The NBA pointed out that defamation is a civil, not criminal, matter in Lagos State and criticized the police for violating the sanctity of legal practice.

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In a strongly worded statement, the NBA described Farotimi’s arrest and the invasion of his law firm as a gross abuse of power. The NBA’s key points include:

Libel is Not a Criminal Offense: The criminalization of defamation was repealed under Lagos State law in 2011. Arresting Farotimi for defamation is both unlawful and an affront to the principles of justice.

Violation of Legal Sanctity: The invasion of Farotimi’s law firm and harassment of its staff undermines the independence of the legal profession and erodes public confidence in the judiciary.

Call for Immediate Release: The NBA demands the immediate release of Farotimi and an investigation into the misconduct of law enforcement officers involved in his arrest and the invasion.

These actions against Farotimi are symptomatic of a broader issue: the weaponization of law enforcement and the judiciary to serve the interests of the powerful at the expense of ordinary Nigerians.

This protest is not just about Dele Farotimi; it represents a fight for justice, equity, and accountability in Nigeria. The arrest and detention of Farotimi reflect systemic failures that threaten the fundamental rights of every Nigerian.

Key Issues Highlighted by This Protest

Judicial Corruption and Inefficiency: The judiciary is increasingly seen as an institution that serves the elite, with justice available only to those who can afford it.

Misuse of Police Power: The police have become a tool for intimidation, often acting on the whims of powerful individuals rather than in the public interest.

Suppression of Free Speech: Activists and critics like Farotimi are being targeted for speaking truth to power, creating a chilling effect on free expression.

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To address these issues, the Take It Back Movement demands:

Immediate Release of Dele Farotimi: The detention of Farotimi is unlawful and a direct attack on the principles of justice.

Judicial Reforms: The judiciary must be restructured to ensure impartiality and integrity. Corrupt practices and undue influence from powerful individuals must be eradicated.

Protection of Civil Rights Activists: The government must uphold its constitutional obligation to protect freedom of speech and safeguard activists from intimidation and harassment.

Independent Investigations: A neutral body must investigate the actions of the police and judiciary in this case. Those found guilty of misconduct must face appropriate consequences.

The inclusion of an international protest location, King’s College London, underscores the global significance of this struggle. Nigerians in the diaspora have consistently advocated for justice, using their platforms to draw international attention to domestic issues.

London, a hub for human rights advocacy and international law, provides an opportunity to amplify the voices of oppressed Nigerians on a global stage. The diaspora community will join hands with local and international allies to demand accountability and justice.

Join the Protests in Person: Nigerians are encouraged to join the protests at designated locations in Lagos, Abuja, Ekiti, and London.

Virtual Support: Those unable to attend can participate through social media campaigns. Use the hashtags #JusticeForDele, #EndJudicialOppression, and #TakeItBack to raise awareness.

Engage in Advocacy: Support petitions and campaigns aimed at promoting judicial accountability and protecting civil rights.

The fight for justice transcends individuals. The case of Dele Farotimi is a stark reminder of the broader challenges facing Nigeria’s democracy. Judicial corruption, misuse of police power, and suppression of dissent threaten the very fabric of society.

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Civil rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong aptly captured the gravity of the situation:
“The use of the police to pursue private interests is unacceptable. The police are supposed to serve public interest.”

As Nigerians, we must stand united against these injustices. We must reject a judiciary that serves the powerful at the expense of the powerless.

This protest is a wake-up call for Nigeria. The judiciary, a cornerstone of democracy, must be reformed to uphold the principles of fairness, equity, and impartiality. The arrest and detention of Dele Farotimi are not just about one man—they are about the soul of a nation.

On December 10, 2024, we march not just for Dele Farotimi but for every Nigerian who has been silenced, oppressed, or denied justice. We march for a future where the judiciary serves the people, not the elite.

Take It Back Movement urges all Nigerians, civil society organizations, and international human rights bodies to join this movement. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, equity, and the rule of law prevail.

Signed,
Take It Back Movement


For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook

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