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The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) has faced sharp criticism after human rights lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi appeared in handcuffs during his court session on Monday in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.
The sight of Farotimi in restraints sparked an online outcry, with many Nigerians questioning why such measures were imposed on an advocate of free speech, while high-profile politicians accused of significant corruption faced no such treatment during court appearances.
Farotimi, who is battling charges under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015, brought against him by Age Babalola SAN, had his treatment compared to that of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello. Bello, accused of mismanaging over ₦100 billion in public funds, has not been subjected to similar public humiliation.
Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong condemned the double standards, saying:
“Why is Dele Farotimi in handcuffs, while Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State accused of siphoning over ₦100 billion, is not?”
Social media platforms were flooded with reactions highlighting the perceived inequities in Nigeria’s justice system.
- Ettu Mohammad posted:
“A man who allegedly cornered over ₦100 billion belonging to Kogi is walking freely without cuffs, while another accused of defamation is walking with handcuffs.” - Adeyeye Olorunfemi, African Action Congress Publicity Secretary, tweeted:
“Dele Farotimi in handcuffs. Yahaya Bello walking majestically. Tale of two justice systems.” - Another user, @DenielSplendid, wrote:
“Why is he in cuffs? Is he a criminal? Meanwhile, Yahaya Bello, a thief, is shaking hands and waving at people.”
Farotimi’s legal struggles have reignited debates about selective justice in Nigeria, where critics argue that free speech and dissenting voices face harsher consequences than corrupt political figures.
Earlier reports confirmed that the Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti granted Farotimi bail of ₦50 million, requiring a surety with a landed property of equal value. Justice Babs O. Kuewumi adjourned the case, with suit number FHC/AD/CR/104/2024, to January 29, 2025, for further proceedings.
This incident has fueled ongoing concerns over the impartiality of Nigeria’s judicial and correctional systems.
