The Take It Back Movement has vowed to proceed with its planned protests against the detention of human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi, despite warnings from the Ekiti State Police Command.
Protests are set to take place on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, in multiple locations, including Lagos, Abuja, Ado-Ekiti, London, and Toronto. The police have banned unlawful gatherings, citing public safety concerns, and warned against attempts to incite violence.
However, the Movement, supported by activist Omoyele Sowore, insists on pressing forward, describing Farotimi’s arrest as an “unjust act of oppression.” The group’s flyer, shared on its official X account, calls on Nigerians to refuse to be silenced.
Farotimi’s arrest followed a petition by Afe Babalola (SAN), founder of Afe Babalola University, accusing the lawyer of defamation over allegations in his book, Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System.
The activist was arraigned before a Magistrates Court in Ado-Ekiti and ordered to remain in custody until the next hearing.
The police have also filed new cybercrime charges against Farotimi, accusing him of making defamatory remarks during online interviews, including an appearance on Seun Okinbaloye’s Mic On Podcast.
Farotimi’s detention has sparked widespread criticism, with activists accusing the judiciary of bias and suppression of free speech.
