Afe Babalola engages police protection of his chambers in Lagos

Magodo Estate in Lagos State, the location of renowned legal luminary Afe Babalola's chambers, has been assumed by the police in anticipation of widespread protests demanding the release of human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi.

The protests were sparked by the sudden arrest and transfer of Farotimi from Lagos to Ekiti State over the allegations of cybercrime and defamation against Babalola.

Though he had complied with an invitation from the Zone 2 Police Headquarters in Lagos, the Ekiti State Police Command operatives still went ahead to take him into custody. He now faces a 16-count charge, having been arraigned before a magistrate court in Ado-Ekiti, where he pleaded not guilty to all charges.

The court subsequently ordered his remand by the court stemmed public criticism and calls for his release from prominent figures, including Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, and Omoyele Sowore.

The protests seeking his immediate release, scheduled to take place today at multiple locations, including Lagos, Ekiti, Abuja, and London, United Kingdom, are a testament to the growing concern over Farotimi’s detention.

The protesters are also alleging judicial overreach and an affront to his fundamental human rights.

Meanwhile, Afe Babalola & Co. has expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support, while emphasizing its commitment to defending its reputation through legal means.

The firm maintains that silence in the face of Farotimi’s allegations would be tantamount to admitting guilt, stressing that the freedom of speech is not absolute and that individuals must be held accountable for their words.