There were no protesters in sight at the Ministry of Justice in Abuja on Tuesday morning, despite expectations that supporters of human rights activist Dele Farotimi would gather to rally in his defense over a legal battle with Afe Babalola, the founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti.
The protest was planned to begin at 7 AM, but our correspondent reported no signs of the expected demonstrators at the location.
However, security operatives were seen stationed at the ministry to maintain order in case of any unrest.
The protest was organized by the Take It Back Movement, which had vowed on Monday to proceed with its planned demonstrations in various locations, including Ekiti, Lagos, Abuja, London, and Canada.
Despite a police warning against such gatherings, the group posted a flyer on its official X handle (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, confirming the rally would go ahead.
Titled “Nationwide/Global Protest Against The Nigerian Judiciary,” the flyer urged Nigerians to speak out and refuse to remain silent.
A video accompanying the flyer featured activist and politician Omoyele Sowore, who condemned “unjust acts of oppression” and declared that such actions could not stand, no matter how they were framed as legal.
“On December 10, 2024, in Lagos, Abuja, Ado-Ekiti, Benin City, Toronto, and London, the people intoxicated by power will be confronted by the power of the people!” Sowore declared in the video.
This development follows the legal dispute between Farotimi and Aare Afe Babalola (SAN), the founder of Afe Babalola University.
Last Friday, Babalola accused Farotimi of attempting to tarnish his reputation, which he claimed was built over years of hard work.
He also petitioned the police to investigate what he described as defamatory allegations made by Farotimi in his book, “Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System”.
In response to the petition, police in Ekiti State arrested Farotimi in Lagos on Tuesday and arraigned him before an Ekiti State Magistrate Court in Ado-Ekiti on Wednesday.
The charges against Farotimi relate to allegations of defaming Babalola.
According to the police, Farotimi had appeared on “Mic On Podcast”, hosted by broadcast journalist Seun Okinbaloye, where he accused Babalola of corrupting the judiciary.
Meanwhile, a group called the Justice for Afe Babalola Legacy (JABL) has issued a warning to protesters planning to demonstrate in Abuja, Lagos, and Ekiti, urging them to desist from the action or face serious consequences.
