By Abubakar Yunusa
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has condemned the treatment of human rights activist and lawyer, Dele Farotimi, who was recently paraded in handcuffs at the Ekiti State High Court over a defamation lawsuit filed by prominent lawyer Chief Afe Babalola, SAN.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, denounced the incident as a “gross abuse of the criminal justice system” and a violation of Farotimi’s fundamental rights.
Onwubiko criticized the use of police resources to harass Farotimi, describing it as “a blatant disregard for due process” and a misuse of public funds.
According to HURIWA, defamation is a civil matter and should never warrant criminal intervention.
“The alleged actions of Chief Afe Babalola in employing the machinery of the Nigeria Police Force to arrest and humiliate Dele Farotimi is a disgraceful abuse of power and privilege,” HURIWA said in a statement.
The group also expressed concern over the high bail amount of N50 million set by the court, describing it as “excessively stringent, punitive, and disproportionate” for the nature of the alleged offence.
HURIWA further criticized the use of handcuffs on Farotimi during the arrest, which it called “unnecessary, degrading, and a violation of his dignity.”
“It is appalling that a lawyer and respected human rights activist would be paraded in handcuffs as though he were a dangerous criminal,” HURIWA lamented.
The group has called for a full investigation into the police’s actions and the bail conditions while urging Chief Afe Babalola to withdraw the lawsuit and explore civil alternatives.
HURIWA also appealed to the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and other professional bodies to condemn these actions and support reforms to prevent the misuse of police powers.
“This incident underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms to prevent the criminalization of civil disputes and the suppression of freedom of expression,” HURIWA stated.
The rights group concluded by urging Nigerians to rally behind Farotimi and all activists subjected to intimidation, emphasizing that “justice must prevail” in cases of rights violations.
