I’ve Never Lied Against Anyone, Says Farotimi After Release

Human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi who was released from prison where he was detained has declared that he never lied against anyone throughout his life, emphasising his commitment to truth in his advocacy.

Farotimi stated this while addressing the press after his release from the correctional facility in Ekiti State on Tuesday.

The activist, who regained freedom after meeting his bail conditions, reiterated that his fight against systemic injustice in Nigeria was rooted in truth.

“It is not ever an easy journey when you are fighting evil, but some years back, before I started this work, God told me that the truth is enough. It is the only weapon with which you can slay the monster called Nigeria. In my war against the evil empire that we all live in, I have never lied against anyone. If I don’t know, I will say I don’t know,” Farotimi stated.

LEADERSHIP reports that Farotimi’s release followed the fulfillment of stringent bail conditions set by an Ekiti State Magistrate Court last Friday.

The conditions included a ₦30 million bond, two sureties (one of whom must be a property owner), submission of Farotimi’s international passport, and a prohibition on granting media interviews.

Farotimi had been detained at the correctional facility since his arrest on December 3 in Lagos by policemen from the Ekiti State Police Command.

Farotimi’s legal troubles stemmed from his recently published book titled: ‘Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System’, released on July 2, 2024.

The 116-page book accused prominent legal practitioners, including Aare Afe Babalola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), of corrupting the Supreme Court justices.

Babalola filed a petition alleging defamation, leading to Farotimi’s arrest and subsequent arraignment in an Ekiti State Magistrate Court.

Following the defamation charges, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, filed 12 additional charges including cyberbullying against Farotimi at the Federal High Court in Ekiti on December 6.

Farotimi’s arrest at his Lagos office was described as a “Gestapo-like operation” by critics. He was transported to Ekiti State for prosecution amidst widespread condemnation from civil rights groups and legal practitioners.

The charges, which include defamation and cyberbullying, raised concerns about freedom of expression and the right to criticise powerful figures in Nigeria.

Despite the challenges, Farotimi remained resolute in his belief that truth was a powerful weapon in the fight against systemic injustice in Nigeria.

“In my journey to expose the truth about the injustices we face, I have no regrets and no reason to lie against anyone. The truth is my only defense,” he said.