…Stop Acting As Errand Boys For Powerful People” – Activist Deji Adeyanju Tells Police

The Nigeria Police Force has filed additional charges against prominent human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi.

The latest filing, submitted on Friday to the Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, includes 12 new counts under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015.

The new charges reportedly aim to obstruct Farotimi’s bail application and prolong his detention. This development follows earlier charges filed by the police in collaboration with the Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Aare Afe Babalola, over comments Farotimi made during an interview and press conferences.

Among the accusations, Farotimi is alleged to have knowingly transmitted false information during an online interview on August 28, 2024, claiming that Afe Babalola “corrupted the judiciary.”

Prosecutors argue that the statements were made with the intent to cause public unrest and bully or harass the senior lawyer.

Farotimi is accused of making defamatory remarks during a podcast interview with journalist Seun Okinbaloye, based on content in his book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.

The charges allege that Farotimi’s statements were aimed at intimidating and maligning Afe Babalola.

He is also charged for publicizing details of legal actions taken against him during a press conference on December 2, 2024.

Farotimi, known for his outspoken advocacy for justice and reform, was initially arraigned earlier this week, facing 16 charges related to alleged cybercrime.

Farotimi’s legal team argued that the charges infringed on his constitutional rights to free speech and fair hearing.

Meanwhile, Rights activist Deji Adeyanju has condemned the founder of Afe Babalola University, Aare Afe Babalola, for using the police to intimate, harass and arrest fellow lawyer and human rights activist Dele Farotimi.

Farotimi, a lawyer and public commentator drew the ire of Babalola, who claimed he was defamed in a book titled ‘Nigeria and the Criminal Justice System’and petitioned the police in a matter body of lawyers and public commentators have said is civil in nature.

The police in Ekiti State had, acting on a petition written by Babalola, arrested Farotimi in Lagos where lawyers and workers in the activist’s chamber were intimidated, harassed and beaten, according to multiple accounts from the law firm.

The police moved Farotimi on Tuesday when he was arrested to Ekiti in a journey of over 352km, to where Babalola lives, a situation Adeyanju said provides the petitioner undue advantage.

The lawyer was hurriedly arraigned before the court on Wednesday following public condemnation. The court rejected a plea for bail. The Chief Magistrate, Abayomi Adeosn, ordered Farotimi be remanded and adjourned the matter to December 10.

Adeyanju, who made the condemnation on Friday during a press conference in Abuja expressed worries that highly placed individuals in the society are misusing the police when in effect the country needs all the police it could get to fight crime.

Adeyanju said “it is unfortunate and regrettable that our revered father and leader in the profession will resort to using the police to harass, intimidate, and arrest a fellow lawyer, someone who is speaking up against the ills in society.

“The police must stop acting as errand boys to big men, influential people, politicians.

“One of our clients, Speer Darlington, has been in custody now for over a week for allegedly defaming and insulting Burna Boy.

“Things like this are clear abuse of power and abuse of office. The whole world has moved away from criminal defamation. These are colonial laws, Nigeria must move away.”

He stressed that “the idea of abducting Farotimi from Lagos and taking him to the turf of Babalola in Ekiti in itself is suspicious. Why was Farotimi not arraigned in Lagos, where he resides and does business?

“Why was the raid on his office? Why was it so violent? Why were lawyers threatened by the police that they would be shot?

“Why was the receptionist slapped and other violations of the fundamental rights of lawyers and non-lawyers alike who were in the firm the day of the arrest? And why this show of force?

“The police officers who are going all over the place, who have been mobilised from state to state to arrest people, are needed in Zamfara.

“There’s a new terrorist group called Lakurawa, the police officers are needed there.

“It is because of the idleness of the police that’s why insecurity festers in the country,” Adeyanju said.

He said, “The time and the resources used to fight ego wars on behalf of powerful, influential and wealthy citizens, that those resources, taxpayers’ money, should not be used in ego wars in pleasing people who feel defamed.

“That taxpayers’ money should be used to fight banditry, to fight insecurity, to arrest dangerous criminals who have committed crimes such as murder, armed robbery, theft, rape, kidnapping. That is what the security agencies should focus on.

“I’m therefore making a passionate appeal that these incessant arrests by security agencies, especially the police, will continue to make the human rights index rating of Nigeria to be extremely very bad.

“The president should give an executive order restraining the police from getting involved in civil disputes such as defamation, landed matters, rent and tenancy issues.

“The Inspector General of police should commit, even without the president giving the executive order, should issue a clear directive to all officers that taxpayers’ money should be saved and that they should focus on fighting crime, that civil issues are not crime per se, and that they should focus simply on issues around crime and crime prevention.

Nottingham Forest manager, Nuno Espirito Santo, is confident Ola Aina will sign a contract extension at the club.

Aina is into the final months of his contract with the Tricky Trees.

Forest have reportedly opened talks with the Nigerian over an extension.


“I think things are going well. I am a coach, I give my opinion, ” Santo said ahead of his side’s Premier League clash with Ipswich Town on Saturday.

“We love what Ola is doing. We love him as a player and as a person, but other people in the club handle those discussions.”

Aina joined Nottingham Forest on a free transfer in 2023.

The full-back signed a one-year contract extension this summer.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday welcomed President Bola Tinubu to the country.

Macron received the Nigerian leader who was accompanied by First Lady Remi Tinubu at the Foyer of the National des Invalides — a military museum.

During the reception, President Tinubu also inspected a guard of honour.

“I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to my friend, President Macron @EmmanuelMacron , for the gracious welcome this splendid morning at the start of my state visit to France,” Tinub wrote on his X handle.

“Nigeria and France have a rich history of collaboration across various sectors. I am eager to engage in our bilateral discussions and explore new avenues for partnership that can benefit both nations.”

Tinubu who arrived in France on Wednesday was received by top French government officials. He is in the European country for a three-day visit.

The Nigerian leader is visiting France at Macron where the duo is expected to discuss issues that will bolster political, economic, and cultural ties between the two nations.

The focus will be on partnerships in agriculture, security, education, health, youth engagement, innovation, and energy transition.

“Both leaders will participate in political and diplomatic meetings highlighting shared values on finance, solid minerals, trade and investments, and communication,” presidential aide Bayo Onanuga said about Tinubu’s visit. “They will also witness a session by the France-Nigeria Business Council, which oversees private sector participation in economic development.