Ekiti State Police Command has announced a ban on protests and “illegal” gatherings in the state ahead of planned demonstrations demanding the release of human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi.
Mr Farotimi is currently in detention, facing defamation charges brought by senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Afe Babalola.
Farotimi is accused of defaming Babalola through allegations in his book, Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System, claiming that Babalola corrupted the Supreme Court to secure fraudulent judgments for his clients. The lawyer remains in custody, with a bail hearing scheduled for Tuesday, December 10 at the Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrate Court.
The call for protests—initiated by African Action Congress (AAC) 2023 presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore—was to take place in Lagos, Abuja and Ado Ekiti on the same day as Farotimi’s bail hearing. However, the police, citing security concerns, have banned all forms of public protests.
In a statement issued by Ekiti police spokesperson DSP Abutu Sunday, the police justified the ban as a preventive measure against potential violence.
The statement reads: “Any form of unlawful gathering, demonstration or protest is unacceptable as intelligence report available has it that some unscrupulous individuals have planned to hide under this protest to hijack it and unleash mayhem and create apprehension in the state.
“The Command, under the leadership of CP Akinwale Kunle Adeniran,mni, is assuring everyone of adequate security during and after this Ember months period while seeking for more support, collaboration and obedience to law and order.”
The police also urged parents and guardians to discourage their wards from engaging in activities that could threaten public peace, warning that violators of the directive would face legal consequences.
Additionally, the command has prohibited the sale and use of fireworks during the festive season, citing security risks, potential panic and health concerns.
