Prominent human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi has raised concerns over alleged threats to his life, harassment of associates, and attempts to lure him into abduction.
Accusing Nigerian elites and the police of collusion, Farotimi details a series of alarming incidents and calls for justice while emphasizing the importance of free speech.
Content Highlights
- Alleged Threats: Farotimi claims Nigerian elites and security agencies are targeting him for his outspoken stance.
- Harassment Tactics: Associates and staff reportedly intimidated and coerced into aiding his capture.
- Legal Battles: Farotimi seeks enforcement of his human rights through court action.
- Historical Context: Details of past threats, including a disclosed murder plot in 2021.
- Call for Justice: Urges transparency, lawful procedures, and a stand against systemic oppression.
Prominent Nigerian human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi, has raised serious concerns about his safety, citing alleged threats to his life by influential Nigerian elites, reportedly in collaboration with security agencies and some legal figures.
A Disturbing Chain of Events
Farotimi, in a heartfelt statement titled “They Want to Silence Me”, described a series of troubling incidents that began with an invitation from the Zone 2 Police Command.
On November 11, 2024, the lawyer received a formal request to appear at the station, which he honored on November 13, accompanied by legal counsel.
At the station, Farotimi was presented with a defamation petition filed by a lawyer on behalf of Tony Elumelu, the Chairman of the United Bank for Africa (UBA).
Despite considering the allegations baseless, Farotimi addressed the matter and was released on self-recognizance with instructions to return on November 21.
Escalation of Threats
The situation took a darker turn when Farotimi’s associate, Pastor Sam Aiyedogbon, reported that police officers had abducted and interrogated church members in an attempt to lure the lawyer.
The pastors were coerced into writing statements and pressured to facilitate Farotimi’s arrest—a move Farotimi described as both alarming and unconventional.
Farotimi recounted how he later began receiving suspicious messages, appearing to be lures to specific locations.
When these tactics failed, individuals targeted his domestic staff, attempting to extract sensitive information about his whereabouts.
A Plea for Justice and Transparency
Despite these threats, Farotimi remains resolute. “I have honored every lawful invitation from the police,” he said, questioning why proper procedures were abandoned in favor of what he described as “surreptitious tactics” aimed at abducting him.
The lawyer has since approached the Lagos State High Court to seek protection of his fundamental human rights.
He has also urged his associates and staff to exercise caution amidst the ongoing harassment.
A History of Targeted Intimidation
Farotimi recalled a similar threat in 2021 when he uncovered a murder plot against him involving influential individuals, including a serving police officer and a traditional ruler.
Despite reporting the matter to the Lagos Commissioner of Police, no investigation was conducted.
He expressed dismay that the same patterns of intimidation and impunity have resurfaced, now linked to what he described as a “witch hunt” orchestrated by powerful figures, including Chief Afe Babalola.
A Call for Accountability
Farotimi remains defiant in the face of these challenges, calling on law enforcement to follow due process. “If I have committed a crime, come and arrest me properly,” he said.
Emphasizing the importance of transparency, he declared, “Truth dies in darkness. I will not be silenced.”
The lawyer’s courageous stand underscores the ongoing struggle for justice and accountability in Nigeria, as he continues to advocate for the rule of law and fundamental human rights.