Organisers of the planned protest calling for the release of human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi, who is detained on defamation charges, have reaffirmed their intention to proceed with demonstrations in various locations, including Ekiti, Lagos, Abuja, London, and Canada.
Despite a warning from the Ekiti State Police Command, which has prohibited any unlawful gatherings and demonstrations, citing security and public safety concerns.
In a statement issued by the police spokesperson, Abutu Sunday, it said that “any form of unlawful gathering, demonstration, or protest is unacceptable,” adding that intelligence reports suggested that certain individuals might attempt to use protests to incite violence and create public unrest.
Nevertheless, through a flyer disseminated via their official X account, the Take It Back Movement indicated their determination to proceed with the rally, scheduled for December 10, 2024, at the Police Headquarters in Ado Ekiti.
This development follows a petition lodged by Aare Afe Babalola (SAN), the founder of Afe Babalola University in Ado Ekiti, who accused Farotimi of attempting to damage his reputation through defamatory claims in his publication, “Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System.” Babalola’s petition prompted police action, leading to Farotimi’s arrest in Lagos. He was subsequently arraigned before an Ekiti State Magistrates Court on charges of defamation, where he was remanded in custody till December 10, when his bail request is scheduled to be held.
Meanwhile, the police have brought new charges against Farotimi at a High Court in Ado-Ekiti, bordering on allegations of cybercrime.
