Human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi, alleges threat to life

A huwan rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi, yesterday, alleged that some group of elite and well-to-do Nigerians have colluded with the security agencies and some legal experts to deplore state resources not only against his fundamental human rights but also against his associates and those around him.

Farotimi, who made the allegation during a media briefing in Lagos, said he was prepared to confront his adversaries, and that unlike those who would run to exile under this circumstance, he would not leave.

“I won’t leave Nigeria. My concern and determination is that if these people are sure I have done anything wrong that is worth being prosecuted for, they should do so within the ambit of the law and not through the backdoor or desperately deploring state resources to trail me illegally,” he said.

The human rights lawyer, who was in the company of popular musician, Charles Oputa (a.k.a. Charly Boy) and Pastor Sam Aiyedogbon of Realm of Glory International Churches, alleged that some prominent Nigerians have been after his life trying to look for every possible means to either get him arrested illegally, kidnapped or his life terminated, adding that the police had also been looking for means to lure him to detain him illegally.

He also alleged that some agents have been trying to lure his domestic staff to get at him.

“These individuals contacted one of my staff, claiming to have a package for him at Evron Food Store on Chevron Drive, Lekki. Having been forewarned, he asked them to leave the package with the store’s security personnel. When their attempts to coerce the security guard into luring my staff failed, they arrested the guard, took him to Zone 2 Police Station, and questioned him about my home address and wife’s contact information. The security guard was released on bail later that evening. I must reiterate that I am a law-abiding citizen. I have consistently honoured every lawful invitation by the Nigeria Police Force. However, these recent developments targeting my associates, tracking my phone, and harassing innocent individuals are deeply concerning.”

“It has therefore become clear, and it is no longer hidden that there are policemen from the Ekiti State Police Command who are currently working out of Zone 2 Police Station on a mission to abduct me.

“Now, this leads me to ask a question: If I faithfully attended the police station as invited, why not invite me in the same manner again? Assuming there is even a charge, it does not take a lawyer to point out that law enforcement officers going around arresting people connected to me and intimidating them is not the proper wy to carry out a lawful arrest.

“So, I have good reason to be fearful for my life, my liberty, and even the well-being of those around me.

“You will all recall, gentlemen of the press, that in February 2021, I publicly disclosed a murder plot against me. I was given six names by the person who revealed the plot.”