The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has strongly condemned the recent treatment of human rights activist and lawyer, Dele Farotimi, who appeared at the Ekiti State High Court in handcuffs over a defamation lawsuit filed by prominent lawyer, Chief Afe Babalola, SAN. HURIWA described the incident as a gross abuse of the criminal justice system and a violation of Farotimi?s fundamental rights.

Farotimi, who had been arrested last week in Lagos State by officers of the Ekiti State Police Command, was escorted to court on Monday in handcuffs, sparking widespread outrage. The arrest followed a defamation lawsuit initiated by the 95-year-old legal luminary, Chief Afe Babalola, over alleged defamatory statements in Farotimi?s book, ?Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System.?

In a statement released on Tuesday, HURIWA called the use of police to harass Farotimi an alarming misuse of public resources and a blatant disregard for due process. The rights group argued that the matter of defamation is purely a civil issue and should have been pursued through a civil lawsuit, not through the intimidation of police arrest and detention.

?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,? the statement read. ?This is a clear misuse of the criminal justice system to suppress dissent and punish legitimate free expression. Defamation is not a criminal offence in Nigeria but a civil matter, and the police have no business being involved.?

HURIWA also criticized the bail conditions granted to Farotimi, describing them as excessively stringent and punitive. The court set bail at N50 million with a surety in the same amount. The rights group argued that the high bail amount was disproportionate to the nature of the alleged offence and appeared designed to further punish and humiliate Farotimi.

?The bail conditions imposed on Dele Farotimi are unjust, excessive, and totally inappropriate for an allegation of defamation,? HURIWA stated. ?This is a deliberate attempt to stifle his voice and intimidate others who dare to challenge entrenched interests. Such conditions undermine the principles of justice and fairness upon which our legal system is built.?

The association also decried the use of handcuffs on Farotimi, emphasizing that it was an unnecessary display of force and a violation of his dignity. HURIWA noted that Farotimi posed no threat to public safety, had not resisted arrest, and was being detained for an alleged non-violent offence.

?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. ?This is not only degrading but also a calculated attempt to tarnish his reputation and intimidate others who stand for truth and justice. The use of handcuffs in this context is both illegal and unethical, and those responsible must be held accountable.?

HURIWA called for an immediate investigation into the actions of the police officers involved in Farotimi?s arrest and detention, as well as a review of the bail conditions. The group urged Chief Afe Babalola to withdraw the lawsuit and pursue resolution through dialogue or civil court proceedings, emphasizing that legal practitioners must lead by example in upholding justice and fairness.

?This incident underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms to prevent the misuse of police powers and the criminalization of civil disputes,? HURIWA stated. ?We call on the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and other professional bodies to speak out against this injustice and ensure that the rule of law prevails.?

HURIWA further urged Nigerians to rally in support of Farotimi and other activists who face harassment and intimidation for speaking truth to power. The group emphasized that a society cannot thrive where the rights of individuals are trampled upon by those in positions of authority.

?The arbitrary arrest and harassment of Dele Farotimi is a wake-up call for all Nigerians to stand united against oppression,? the statement concluded. ?We must demand accountability from those who misuse their influence to suppress freedom of expression and ensure that justice is served in this case and others like it.?

HURIWA reaffirmed its commitment to defending human rights and holding the government and influential individuals accountable for their actions, insisting that the rule of law must never be sacrificed on the altar of personal vendettas or political expediency.

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