I am your friend, Dr. Charles Apoki. Today, I want to discuss Dele Farotimi’s recent arrest, his prophetic insights, and what his ordeal says about Nigeria’s criminal justice system. Dele Farotimi has been granted bail, pegged at a hefty 50 million naira. However, this situation offers us a moment to reflect on deeper systemic issues.
Dele Farotimi: A Prophet and a Visionary
In a previous post, I appealed to Yoruba elders to intervene in the dispute between Dele Farotimi and Baba. Even then, I acknowledged Dele’s remarkable confidence in his facts. He has consistently demonstrated an uncanny ability to predict outcomes and expose the plans of those who oppress him.
Dele Farotimi’s recent ordeal validates the prophetic nature of his writings and assertions about Nigeria’s criminal justice system. His arrest and treatment reflect a corrupt system designed to suppress dissent. He foresaw how he would be arrested, subjected to a kangaroo trial, and how far-reaching hands would attempt to orchestrate his humiliation. Despite these attempts, the authorities underestimated the reaction of Nigerians on social media and in real life.
The Ordeal: A Testament to Injustice
Here’s a brief summary of what transpired:
Unjust Handling: Dele Farotimi could have been more decently charged in Lagos. He had repeatedly reported to the police station, showing his willingness to comply with due process. Instead, a gestapo-style operation was carried out to arrest him, traumatize his staff, and confiscate phones.
Abuse of Process: He was taken to a distant location, Ado Ekiti, and detained. Despite defamation being a bailable offense, he was denied bail initially. Only after protests were planned across the country was he clandestinely brought to court and granted bail.
Humiliation Through Handcuffs: While Dele Farotimi was paraded in handcuffs, an individual accused of stealing 80 billion naira walked freely into court, accompanied by his domestic staff, and treated like royalty. This contrast lays bare the rot in Nigeria’s justice system, where the wealthy enjoy impunity, and truth-tellers face persecution.
Handcuffs: A Symbol of Unity
The handcuffs placed on Dele Farotimi’s wrists were more than a tool of humiliation; they became a symbol of his bond with the masses. Handcuffs are like wedding rings that bind truth-tellers to the people they strive to liberate. Throughout history, oppressors have failed to silence voices of truth through such acts. Fela Kuti’s raised handcuffs during his trials remain etched in our collective memory, and so will Dele Farotimi’s.
Those who orchestrate these acts of oppression will fade into oblivion. History remembers the oppressed, not their oppressors. The officers and agents involved in this charade will be forgotten, but Dele Farotimi will remain a hero to Nigerians.
The Real Problem: A Corrupt System
Dele Farotimi’s arrest has only vindicated his claims that Nigeria’s justice system is designed to serve the highest bidder. It has exposed the systemic inequities that allow the elite to walk free while truth-tellers are paraded as criminals.
The public outrage and revelations emerging from his ordeal are a testament to the prophetic warnings in his writings. Nigerians are waking up to the realities of a system that suppresses truth and rewards corruption.
A Call for Justice
I strongly advise that the case against Dele Farotimi be dropped. Those who feel defamed should address their grievances through legitimate and dignified channels. For instance, Baba’s associates could author a counter-narrative book to defend their perspective. Such intellectual engagement would contribute to public discourse and avoid unnecessary societal tension.
Conclusion
Dele Farotimi’s story reminds us that standing for the truth comes with a cost. His resilience and bravery are an inspiration to many Nigerians. As a society, we must continue to support voices like his, for they are the catalysts of change.
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God bless Nigeria. God bless those who stand for the truth.
Dr. Charles Apoki
