Heavily armed Nigerian policemen have taken control of the Lagos State Magodo Estate housing the chambers of Afe Babalola, legal luminary, over the anticipated protests by Nigerians to demand the freedom of human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi.
Farotimi, who was whisked away by the Nigerian police under the directive of Afe Babalola, was transported from Lagos to Ekiti State over accusations of cybercrime.
The protest, which has gained public attention, is supported by Nigerian human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, who previously announced that the demonstrations would occur across multiple locations on Tuesday, including Lagos, Ekiti, Abuja, and London, the United Kingdom.
The protests are focused on demanding the immediate release of Farotimi, who remains remanded in custody after facing a stringent N50million fine at the Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti.
The Bureau Newspaper learnt that heavily armed police operatives are stationed at the Afe Babalola’s law firm in Lagos, in response to the #FreeDeleFarotimiNow protest.
The Bureau Newspaper had earlier reported that the Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, on Monday granted N50million bail to human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi, after the police filed charges against him over allegations of cybercrime.
Justice Babs O. Kuewumi, presiding over the court on Monday, December 9, 2024, ruled that Farotimi be released on bail with conditions that included a N50million surety and a guarantor possessing a landed property of equivalent value.
The case, with suit number FHC/AD/CR/104/2024, was filed by the Inspector-General of Police, alleging cybercrime activities linked to Farotimi.
However, Justice Kuewumi adjourned the case to January 29, 2025, for further proceedings.
SaharaReporters had last Friday reported that the Nigerian police filed fresh charges against Farotimi, before the Federal High Court In Ado-Ekiti, over allegations of cybercrime.
The state police command had made the filing in a plot to frustrate the human rights lawyer’s bail application and keep him in remand.
Also speaking on the Monday’s court sitting, human rights activist and convener of #RevolutionNow movement, Omoyele Sowore, said, “The first hurdle was crossed. @DeleFarotimi was granted bail of N50 million naira surety in the like sum with someone with landed property. The Case was Adjourned to 29 January 2025. #FreeDeleFarotimiNow”.
Farotimi, known for his advocacy for justice and good governance, had appeared before the court on Wednesday following charges brought against him by Age Babalola SAN under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015.
The police filed 12 fresh counts charges against Farotimi, according to court documents seen by The Bureau Newspaper