A heavy deployment of armed operatives of the Nigerian Police Force has taken over Magodo Estate in Lagos State, where the offices of renowned legal practitioner Afe Babalola are located. This development follows anticipated protests by Nigerians demanding the release of human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi.

Reports indicate that Farotimi was taken into police custody at the request of Afe Babalola on defamation charges and subsequently transported from Lagos to Ekiti State. The Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti granted him bail in the sum of ₦50 million after allegations of cybercrime were brought against him. Despite the bail, Farotimi remains in detention.

The #FreeDeleFarotimiNow protests, spearheaded by former presidential aspirant Omoyele Sowore, are scheduled to occur in Lagos, Ekiti, Abuja, and even London. Sowore has expressed his support for Farotimi, emphasizing the need for justice.

In response, authorities have bolstered security around Afe Babalola’s Lagos law firm. The demonstrations are expected to draw significant public attention as activists push for Farotimi’s immediate release.

Farotimi also appeared at the Ado Ekiti Magistrate Court on Tuesday morning for a hearing regarding the defamation case filed by Babalola. The situation continues to attract widespread interest as Nigerians rally to advocate for human rights and freedom of expression.