Ekiti’s Axis of Oppression: Police, Courts, and Prisons United Against Justice—Nigerians Must Rise on December 10, by John Egbeazien Oshodi

The persecution of Dele Farotimi is more than an attack on one man—it is a tragic indictment of the collusion between Nigeria’s institutions against truth and justice. Farotimi, a human rights lawyer and outspoken advocate for accountability, dared to challenge the status quo through his book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System. For this, he has become the target of a calculated and coordinated campaign of oppression, orchestrated to silence his voice and break his spirit.

The Police: A Show of Force Without Jurisdiction

Ekiti police, acting far beyond their jurisdiction, stormed Farotimi’s Lagos office in a raid more fitting for a warzone than a lawful arrest. Witnesses recount scenes of violence and intimidation: staff were physically assaulted, their phones confiscated, and threats were made with AK-47 rifles. The police, rather than upholding the law, became enforcers for a vendetta, dragging Farotimi to Ekiti against his will. This brazen act of abduction reflects not just a disregard for jurisdictional boundaries but a blatant abuse of power, underscoring the complicity of law enforcement in this campaign.

The Courts: A Willful Blindness to Justice

Once in Ekiti, Farotimi faced a court system that seemed preordained to punish him. Despite clear evidence that the matter originated in Lagos—where the book was written, published, and launched—the Ekiti courts accepted the case, denying him bail on baseless grounds. This case, a civil matter at best, was escalated to criminal proceedings in a gross misuse of judicial authority.

By denying Farotimi his right to bail, the courts abandoned their role as impartial arbiters of justice and instead aligned themselves with the oppressive machinery intent on silencing him. This is not justice; it is complicity in persecution.

The Prison: A Chamber of Human Suffering

Ekiti prison now represents the final, most inhumane piece of this axis of oppression. Reports from the Nigerian Bar Association reveal that Farotimi is being possibly systematically deprived of food, medication, and basic necessities. These actions are not accidents—they are deliberate attempts to weaken him physically, emotionally, and mentally.

Prison conditions have turned into a weapon, designed to ensure that Farotimi’s resolve is broken before he can even fight back. This calculated cruelty is an assault on his humanity and a chilling reminder of how state institutions can be weaponized against the very citizens they are meant to protect.

An Assault on Democracy Itself

The coordinated actions of the Ekiti police, courts, and prison system are not just betrayals of justice—they are assaults on Nigeria’s democracy. When institutions meant to uphold the rule of law instead conspire to punish truth-tellers, the very foundations of democracy are at risk.

Farotimi’s ordeal is a warning to all Nigerians: if the powerful can crush a man of his stature with impunity, what hope is there for ordinary citizens? This is not just about Farotimi; it is about the survival of justice, freedom, and democracy in Nigeria.

December 10: A Day of Peaceful Resistance

December 10 is more than a court date—it is a call to action. As Farotimi faces another hearing in this farcical trial, Nigerians must rise to demand accountability and justice. Let the streets of Lagos, Abuja, and Ekiti fill with peaceful protesters who will not be silenced by the usual excuse of “hoodlum infiltration.” This tired narrative, often used to discourage protests, must not deter Nigerians this time.

This is not about violence; it is about unity. It is about sending a clear message to those in power that the people will no longer tolerate the abuse of state institutions for personal vendettas.

A Call to the World

The world must hear Nigeria’s cry. International attention is needed to shine a light on this travesty of justice. Human rights organizations, global media, and foreign governments must stand with Nigerians in demanding that the rule of law prevails over the rule of power.

Nigerians Must Rise

Oh Nigerians, this is your fight. On December 10, let your voices rise—not in anger, but in peaceful defiance of oppression. Let the streets resonate with the call for justice, dignity, and democracy. Farotimi’s struggle is our struggle, and his freedom is our collective responsibility.

Ekiti’s axis of oppression must be dismantled. The world must see that Nigerians will not stand by while the police, judiciary, and prison system are turned into tools of tyranny. Farotimi’s life and legacy depend on our collective action. December 10 is our day—let us seize it with courage, peace, and determination.

Professor John Egbeazien Oshodi, born in Uromi, Edo State, Nigeria, is an American-based police and prison scientist, forensic/clinical psychologist, public policy psychologist, and legal psychologist. He’s a government advisor on forensic-clinical psychological services in the USA and the founder of the Dr. John Egbeazien Oshodi Foundation for Psychological Health. With a significant role in introducing forensic psychology to Nigeria through N.U.C. and Nasarawa State University, he’s also a former Secretary-General of the Nigeria Psychological Association. He’s taught at esteemed institutions like Florida Memorial University, Florida International University, Nova Southeastern University, and more, and is currently an online faculty member at ISCOM University,  Weldios University and Walden University.