Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Federal Government and Ekiti State Government, demanding the immediate release of human rights lawyer Dr Dele Farotimi from custody. Frank warned of nationwide mass protests if the demand is not met.
In a strongly worded statement on Thursday, Frank criticised the arrest and remand of Farotimi, describing it as unconstitutional and an affront to democratic principles. He called on Nigerians to occupy police stations and formations nationwide should the authorities fail to release Farotimi within the stipulated time.
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Farotimi was remanded by an Ekiti State Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday and sent to the state correctional centre. The human rights lawyer is facing charges of alleged defamation linked to his book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System, in which he reportedly accused Senior Advocate of Nigeria Afe Babalola of compromising the Supreme Court.
Frank dismissed the defamation allegations as a smokescreen, accusing the Federal Government of using state institutions to intimidate and silence critics. He argued that Farotimi’s remand was politically motivated due to his vocal opposition to the policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“This is clearly not about the petition from Afe Babalola,” Frank stated. “Farotimi is a vocal critic of the government, and this dehumanising experience is nothing more than an attempt to silence his courageous dissent.”
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The activist condemned the actions of the police and judiciary, accusing them of being tools of oppression under the current administration. He emphasised that Farotimi’s arrest over an offence that is bailable under Nigerian law was unjustified.
“Farotimi is a principled defender of democracy and the rule of law. If there were legitimate concerns, he should have been invited peacefully, not subjected to such humiliating treatment,” Frank said.
Frank, who is also the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, urged Nigerians to resist the suppression of dissenting voices. He warned that the targeting of Farotimi could set a dangerous precedent.
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“It is Farotimi today; tomorrow, it could be another Nigerian. We must not allow state institutions to be weaponised against citizens speaking out against hardship and dictatorial policies,” he added.
To underline his point, Frank cited the poignant words of German pastor Martin Niemöller: “First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.”
Frank concluded by reiterating his demand for Farotimi’s release, urging civil society groups and all Nigerians to stand firm in the defence of democracy and justice.
