‘His rights must not be denied’ — LP reps seek fair trial for Farotimi

The Labour Party (LP) caucus of the house of representatives says the rights and privileges of Dele Farotimi, a human rights advocate, must be upheld as he faces trial over alleged defamation and cyberbullying.

Farotimi was arrested in Lagos on Tuesday by the Ekiti police command over alleged defamation and cyberbullying.

The activist had on Monday raised an alarm over plans to abduct and take him to Ekiti, following a petition filed by Afe Babalola, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

On Wednesday, a magistrate court in Ekiti remanded Farotimi in prison custody till December 10 after he was arraigned on a 16-count charge.

Since his arrest, there have been calls from many Nigerians, including Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar, for his release.

Omoyele Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters, has also asked Nigerians to join a nationwide protest on December 10 against the judiciary over Farotimi’s prosecution.

On Thursday, Victor Ogene, LP caucus leader in the house of representatives, asked the judiciary “to remain the last bastion of hope for the democratic process”.

Ogene said democracy is “threatened when democratic institutions are manipulated against citizens,” adding that “anti-democratic activities undermine Nigeria’s civil government”.

The lawmaker said the activist’s arrest in Lagos was worrisome, adding that it has sparked concerns about eroding democratic principles and silencing dissenting voices.

“The judicial system must show neutrality at all times, regardless of the social status or connections of any party involved in a dispute before it,” NAN quoted Ogene as saying.

“The Labour Party caucus is committed to upholding the values of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.

“In this regard, we call on the authorities involved in this controversial case to ensure that Barrister Farotimi’s rights and privileges are not denied.”

Earlier, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) said the arrest and invasion of Farotimi’s law firm “constitute a troubling breach of the rule of law and the sanctity of the legal profession”.