In a significant show of force, the Nigerian Police Force has deployed an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) and additional security personnel to the Ado Ekiti Magistrate Court today. This deployment comes as the court prepares to rule on the bail application of human rights lawyer and activist, Dele Farotimi, who is facing allegations of defamation and cybercrime.
The heightened security measures reflect the sensitive nature of the case, which has garnered considerable public attention and sparked protests across various sectors. Farotimi was arraigned earlier this month on charges stemming from his book, Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System, which allegedly contains defamatory statements against prominent legal figure Afe Babalola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). The police have accused Farotimi of intimidating witnesses related to the case, leading to their strong opposition against his bail application.
The presence of an APC at the court signifies the police's commitment to maintaining order during the proceedings.
Additional officers have been deployed to ensure the safety of all participants in the hearing and to deter any potential unrest.
The police have issued warnings against unlawful protests in the vicinity of the court, emphasizing their readiness to manage any disruptions that may arise during the hearing.
The Chief Magistrate, Abayomi Adeosun, is expected to deliver a ruling today regarding Farotimi's bail application after previously denying bail on December 4. The case has drawn significant public interest, with various civil society groups advocating for Farotimi's release and condemning what they perceive as an abuse of judicial processes by law enforcement