Prominent human rights lawyer Kenneth Okonkwo has issued a grave warning, calling for the urgent protection of fellow lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi, who he believes may be in danger. Okonkwo’s statement has sparked concerns over the possible sinister intentions of Nigeria’s powerful elites, who Farotimi has openly accused of corruption and abuse of power.
Okonkwo, the former spokesperson for the Obi/Datti Campaign Organization, highlighted the peril Farotimi faces following his unflinching stance on issues addressed in his book Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System. He suggests that Farotimi’s criticism of the corrupt establishment may provoke extreme retaliation.
Farotimi is currently detained at a Correctional Center after being accused of defaming Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Afe Babalola—a case some observers already suspect may be politically motivated.
“Now that Dele Farotimi is sticking to his guns on the purported defamation matter, his life must be protected at all costs in prison,” Okonkwo warned. “Nobody should come and tell us he had a cardiac arrest or something happened to him after a brief illness.”
In a tone loaded with suspicion, Okonkwo pointed out that Farotimi was in perfect health before his detention and insisted that the authorities must ensure his well-being. “Dele Farotimi was hale and hearty when he was unjustly arrested. He must be healthier whenever he comes out since the government that is holding him unjustly is wealthier than him,” he wrote.
Okonkwo went further to imply that the elites might resort to underhanded tactics if their attempts to silence Farotimi through intimidation fail. “My guess is that these corrupt elites may settle this matter through another means if Dele Farotimi resists all their attempts at intimidating him,” he speculated.
The human rights lawyer also issued a stern reminder to the authorities, warning them against deviating from legal processes. “The authorities must be aware that the whole world is watching. They have chosen the legal option, and must not resort to anything funny. Let the law be allowed to run its full course,” Okonkwo stated.
The unfolding situation raises serious questions about the rule of law and the lengths to which those in power might go to suppress dissenting voices. Farotimi’s detention has already drawn significant public attention, and Okonkwo’s warning amplifies concerns about the safety of activists who dare to confront Nigeria’s deeply entrenched power structures.
