Renowned International Public Speaker and Policy Expert Amb. Abayomi Rotimi Mighty has condemned arrest, transfer, and swift prosecution of renowned human rights activist, Dele Farotimi, Esq., whom he describes as “Agba thinker”, and a voice for marginalised Nigerians.
Farotimi was accused of defaming legal icon, Aare Afe Babalola (SAN).
LEADERSHIP reports that Farotimi’s arrest has been largely condemned on the social media after he was picked up in Lagos by the police on Tuesday, and moved to Ekiti State where he was detained ahead of his arraignment on Wednesday.
In his remarks, Abayomi Mighty argued that defamation is fundamentally a civil matter rather than a criminal offence.
He further emphasized that the use of state apparatus to address a defamation claim was an abuse of power and a misapplication of justice, insisting that individuals alleging defamation should pursue civil remedies by approaching the court for redress rather than invoking criminal prosecution.
Abayomi Mighty reiterated that Farotimi has consistently championed the cause of the “victims of Nigeria,” representing the voices of marginalized and oppressed groups through his activism and advocacy for justice.
He called for the immediate and unconditional release of Farotimi, stating that such action is antithetical to democratic principles and the rule of law. He stressed that such repressive tactics have no place in a democracy and undermine the vision of just Nigeria.
Abayomi Mighty urged all Nigerians to resist any attempts to silence dissent and to uphold the fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution. “A Nigeria where everyone will be free is possible and we will make it happen soon enough by the will of the people.”
He further said he will continue to support Dele Farotimi until his rights are respected.
