Human rights lawyer and political activist, Dele Farotimi, has announced plans to pursue legal redress over what he describes as his “unjust and unlawful” detention, following the recent withdrawal of a defamation case filed against him by renowned legal luminary, Aare Afe Babalola, SAN.
Farotimi, who was detained in connection with the now-abandoned defamation suit, declared during a press briefing today that his detention constituted a violation of his fundamental rights and an abuse of legal process. He emphasized that his arrest and brief incarceration were executed under questionable circumstances and without due regard for the rule of law.
“I was wrongfully detained for exercising my right to free speech,” Farotimi stated. “Now that the case has been withdrawn, it is imperative that those responsible for the breach of my rights are held accountable. This is not just about me—it is about ensuring that our legal system is not weaponized to silence dissent.”
The defamation case, initially brought by Afe Babalola, stemmed from public comments made by Farotimi, which Babalola alleged were damaging to his reputation. However, in a surprising turn of events, the case was recently withdrawn without further explanation from Babalola’s legal team.
Farotimi insists that the withdrawal does not absolve the state and law enforcement agencies of responsibility for what he terms “arbitrary and oppressive” actions. He has vowed to initiate legal proceedings seeking compensation and institutional reform.