Farotimi had appeared before the court on Monday following charges brought against him by Age Babalola SAN under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015.
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) has been condemned after human rights lawyer and activist, Dele Farotimi, was seen handcuffed during his court appearance on Monday in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.
The handcuffs on Farotimi generated backlashes online, with many Nigerians questioning why such measures were applied to Farotimi, who is known for his advocacy for free speech, while high-profile political figures accused of massive corruption appeared in court without similar treatment.
Farotimi had appeared before the court on Monday following charges brought against him by Age Babalola SAN under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015.
Many Nigerians took to social media to express outrage, calling the incident a demonstration of the selective application of justice in the country.
Meanwhile, some human rights activists compared Farotimi's treatment to that of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, who has been accused of misappropriating over N100 billion in public funds.
Despite the gravity of the allegations against Bello, he has not been subjected to such visible restraints during court proceedings.
Human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, condemned the NCS action.
"Why is Dele Farotimi in handcuffs, while Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State accused of siphoning over N100 billion, is not?" another X user said.
Others argued that the incident explained a broader issue in Nigeria's justice system, where free speech is treated as a threat.
Critics contend that this reflects a crackdown on dissenting voices while powerful political figures accused of grave financial misconduct often escape such public humiliation.
Ettu Mohammad on his Facebook wrote, "A man who allegedly cornered over N100 billion belonging to Kogi is walking freely without cuffs while the other person who was accused of defamation is walking with handcuff."
Adeyeye Olorunfemi, the African Action Congress publicity secretary also said, "Dele Farotimi in handcuffs. Yahaya Bello walking majestically. Tale of two justice systems. Yet the criminal justice system is not corrupt, according to some people."
@DenielSplendid on his X wrote, "Why is he on cuffs? Is he a criminal? They’re moving him around with cuffs but yahaya bello a thief is waving to the fools applauding him and he’s even going around giving handshakes."
Earlier, SaharaReporters reported that the Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, on Monday granted N50million bail to human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi, after the police filed charges against him over allegations of cybercrime.
Justice Babs O. Kuewumi, presiding over the court on Monday, December 9, 2024, ruled that Farotimi be released on bail with conditions that included a N50million surety and a guarantor possessing a landed property of equivalent value.
The case, with suit number FHC/AD/CR/104/2024, was filed by the Inspector-General of Police, alleging cybercrime activities linked to Farotimi.
However, Justice Kuewumi adjourned the case to January 29, 2025, for further proceedings.