Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Federal and Ekiti State Governments, demanding the immediate release of human rights lawyer Dr. Dele Farotimi from remand.
Frank warned that failure to release Farotimi would trigger mass protests, with Nigerians urged to occupy police stations and formations nationwide.
The ultimatum is coming after a Wednesday ruling by the Ekiti State Chief Magistrates Court, Ado Ekiti Division, which ordered Farotimi’s remand in a correctional facility over alleged defamation.
The case stems from Farotimi’s book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System, where he accused Senior Advocate of Nigeria Afe Babalola of compromising the Supreme Court.
Frank contended that the arrest was not merely about defamation but an attempt by the Federal Government to silence Farotimi, a vocal critic of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
He criticized the judiciary and police for allegedly becoming tools of oppression.
“Farotimi is a man of truth, principle, and a defender of democracy,” Frank stated.
“If they believed he did anything wrong, he should have been invited peacefully. His arrest and remand for a bailable offense demonstrate a clear attempt to intimidate him.”
Frank, who serves as the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, called on Nigerians to resist government oppression.
He warned that Farotimi’s case could set a dangerous precedent for silencing dissent, referencing Pastor Martin Niemöller’s famous quote on the dangers of remaining silent in the face of injustice.
He concluded by urging Nigerians to act, stating, “It is Farotimi today; it could be another Nigerian tomorrow.”