Human rights lawyer and activist, Dele Farotimi, has expressed his gratitude to Nigerians for their support following his release from prison.
Farotimi, who was arrested in Lagos on December 3, 2024, faced charges of defamation in an Ekiti State Magistrate Court. The charges stemmed from his book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System, which allegedly defamed prominent legal icon Afe Babalola. The court initially remanded him in custody, and additional charges were filed against him on December 6.
On December 20, the court granted Farotimi bail of N30 million with conditions, including the submission of his international passport and a restriction on media interviews.
In a video shared on social media on Sunday, December 29, Farotimi expressed deep appreciation for the unity and collective efforts of Nigerians that secured his freedom.
“We stopped being human because we became Nigerians. They divided us, and we fell for it. But you wouldn’t see me as a Yoruba man, you spoke for me. Because you wouldn’t see me as a Christian, you spoke for me,” Farotimi said.
He added, “Because you spoke, Nigeria couldn’t happen to me. The only reason Nigeria couldn’t happen to me is because you found your voices. I became you. And in our collective, you couldn’t be silent.”
Farotimi’s remarks have resonated widely, emphasizing the power of unity and the collective voice of the people in advocating for justice.
