Ekiti State Police Prohibit Unlawful Protests Ahead of Farotimi’s Court Hearing
The Ekiti State Police Command has banned all forms of protests and demonstrations ahead of a planned protest on Tuesday over the arrest and remand of human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi.
Farotimi, who was arrested last Tuesday in Lagos by operatives of the state police command, has been remanded in prison custody by an Ado Ekiti Chief Magistrate Court on charges of defamation. He is accused of defaming Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, the founder of Afe Babalola University, in his book “Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System,” where he alleged that Babalola corrupted the Supreme Court to secure a fraudulent judgment.
In response to the situation, activists, including Omoyele Sowore, the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2023 elections, have called for protests in major cities, including Lagos, Abuja, and Ado Ekiti, on December 10, the same day the court is set to hear Farotimi’s bail application.
However, the police have issued a statement stating that any form of unlawful protest or gathering is unacceptable. The police cited intelligence reports indicating that some individuals may attempt to hijack the protest to cause unrest and create fear in the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Sunday Abutu, emphasized that the decision to ban protests was aimed at ensuring the safety of lives and property in the state. He assured the public that the police, under the leadership of CP Akinwale Kunle Adeniran, would provide adequate security during the Ember months and called for greater collaboration and obedience to law and order. Abutu also urged parents and guardians to advise their wards to avoid participating in activities that could disturb the peace and security of the state.
In addition to the protest ban, the police have also prohibited the use of fireworks throughout the state during the holiday season. The police warned that fireworks could create confusion and panic, as their sounds are often indistinguishable from real gunshots, potentially causing unnecessary fear among the public. The authorities stated that anyone found violating these directives would face legal consequences.
