Connect with us

Judiciary

Atiku, Afenifere Criticize Police Over Farotimi’s Detention

Published

on

By Emmanuel Ogbodo

 

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, have strongly condemned the arrest and detention of human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi, by the police.

Farotimi, detained on Monday and arraigned in Ekiti State, faces 16 charges, including defamation and cyberbullying, linked to allegations in his book, Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System.

The book claims that senior lawyer Aare Afe Babalola (SAN) compromised the Supreme Court. Farotimi pleaded not guilty during his court appearance on Wednesday.

Despite his lawyer Temidayo Akeredolu’s appeal for bail, citing Farotimi’s health and professional standing, Chief Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun ordered his remand at the Ado Ekiti Correctional Centre.

The bail hearing is set for December 10, 2024.

Atiku condemned the arrest, describing it as a return to oppressive tactics reminiscent of military rule.

“This is a gross abuse of power and a reminder of the dark days of military dictatorship when dissent was silenced with tyranny,” he said, adding that defamation is a civil matter that does not warrant criminal charges.

Afenifere also expressed outrage, with its General Secretary, Chief Sola Ebiseni, stating that the court should have granted bail considering the bailable nature of the charges.

“Denying bail for a bailable offence like defamation is a clear miscarriage of justice,” Ebiseni remarked, urging that Farotimi’s health and status should have been grounds for bail on liberal terms or self-recognizance.

Farotimi’s lawyer argued that the charges, which include accusations of undermining the Supreme Court’s integrity, are baseless and pose no threat to national security.

The case has drawn widespread criticism, raising concerns about free speech and the misuse of the legal system to suppress dissent.

 

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Judiciary

Kabir Akanbi Appointed Acting Chief Registrar of Supreme Court

Published

on

By Abaire Olanlesi 

Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has appointed Kabir Akanbi as the Acting Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, effective February 13, 2025.

His appointment follows the retirement of Hajo Sarki Bello.

Akanbi, a legal and technology expert, previously served as Deputy Chief Registrar at the Court of Appeal, where he spearheaded key judicial reforms.

He holds a law degree from the University of Ibadan and a Master’s from Temple University, USA.

The CJN urged Akanbi to apply his expertise to enhance the Supreme Court’s efficiency and transparency.

 

Continue Reading

Judiciary

Nigeria Ranked 36th in 2024 Global Corruption Index

Published

on

By

By Gabriella Ogbu

Transparency International’s 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) ranks Nigeria as the 36th most corrupt country, with a score of 26, alongside Uganda, Iraq, Mexico, Madagascar, and Cameroon.

The CPI, which assesses corruption perceptions in 180 countries, scores them from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean).

Denmark leads with a score of 90, followed by Finland (88) and Singapore (84).

Cape Verde is the least corrupt African nation, ranking 35th with a score of 62. South Sudan, Somalia, and Venezuela are the most corrupt, occupying the lowest positions.

Continue Reading

Judiciary

Supreme Court Rejects Fubara’s Appeal, Imposes ₦2 Million Fine

Published

on

By

By Gabriella Ogbu 

The Supreme Court has dismissed an appeal by Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara challenging the leadership of the State House of Assembly.

A five-member panel led by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji ruled on Monday that Fubara must pay N2 million in damages to the Assembly and its Speaker, Martins Amaewhule.

The case was struck out after Fubara’s lawyer, Yusuf Ali, withdrew the suit.

Continue Reading

Trending