Korede Abdullah in Lagos
The Lagos State Police Command has maintained silence over inquiries by Africa Health Report AHR on the curious heavy security presence at the Afe Babalola’s law firm in Lagos.
Police spokesperson, David Hundeyin, had referred our correspondent’s inquiries about the police presence to another unit, which did not respond to calls or texts as of Wednesday.
A deployment of heavy security presence at Afe Babalola’s law firm in Lagos, specifically at his Magodo Estate office, has been observed.
Sources said it was in anticipation of protests demanding the release of human rights attorney Dele Farotimi.
The protests, scheduled to take place in various locations, including Lagos, Ekiti, Abuja, and London, aim to secure Farotimi’s immediate release.
Farotimi remains in detention despite being granted bail in the amount of ₦50 million by the Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti, following charges brought against him by the police for alleged cybercrime. Interestingly, Farotimi appeared at the Ado Ekiti Magistrate Court on Tuesday morning for a defamation hearing filed against him by Afe Babalola.
The heavy security presence is reportedly in response to the #FreeDeleFarotimiNow movement, with armed police personnel and vehicles stationed at the entrance of Babalola’s law office.
The protests highlight the growing concern among Nigerians about Farotimi’s detention and the perceived injustices surrounding his case.
