Nigerian government accused of using Dele Farotimi to silence opposition – PIDOM

SAHARA REPORTERS

A Nigerian investigative journalist, known as PIDOMNIGERIA, has drawn parallels between the prosecution of human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi in Ekiti State and the biblical story of Esau and Jacob.

Farotimi is facing charges of alleged criminal defamation against Afe Babalola, a senior advocate of Nigeria.

PIDOMNIGERIA, who made this remark on Thursday night while speaking on X Space meeting hosted by #RevolutionNow convener, Omoyele Sowore, on the detention and prosecution of Farotimi, suggested that while Babalola is a prominent figure standing as the main prosecutor of Farotimi, it is obvious that higher government authorities are involved in his case while using Babalola as a shield.

He noted that Nigeria is currently in a full-blown dictatorship, saying, “Dele Farotimi’s case is about the voice of Jacob and the hands of Esau. if you know, you know. That is what is playing out now.”

Warning against politicizing Farotimi’s case, he said, “We must do whatever we can to get this case right. Let’s shun politics, let’s shun any quarrels between us. At the moment, we must concentrate to see that we succeed in getting Dele Farotimi out.

“Because they are actually testing the waters. If we fail to achieve this goal, they will move to the next level. This is a well-planned package. They are trying to shut down the voices of dissent.

“Anybody that has an opinion outside that of the government, anyone that calls out the government, they will look for a way to shut you down. 

“Don’t take this as a fight between Afe Babalola and Dele Farotimi. It is a fight between this corrupt government versus Dele Farotimi, using the man (Babalola) as a front, because where there is no law, there is supposed to be no arrest, trial or detention.

“Take it from me that we are having a fight with the government and we must do whatever we can to get it right this time around.”

Farotimi is being detained and prosecuted for alleged criminal defamation and cybercrime against Afe Babalola in his book titled, “Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System,” where he exposed damning corruption in the Nigerian judicial system.

THIS ARTICLE ORIGINALLY APPEARED IN SAHARA REPORTERS