Seun Kuti criticizes the arrest of lawyer Dele Farotimi, warning that empowering police to silence critics threatens free speech in Nigeria. Kuti calls for Farotimi's immediate release and urges top lawyers to challenge laws that criminalize free expression, highlighting the dangerous consequences for democracy.
Nigerian Afrobeat artist and activist Seun Kuti has criticized the recent arrest of human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi, calling it an alarming move that could hinder free speech in Nigeria. In a video, Kuti warned against the increasing use of the police to silence critics, stressing the serious implications this could have on public discourse.
Kuti pointed out that many people had supported the arrest of another individual, VeryDarkMan (VDM), and questioned whether they were now happy with the impact of empowering the police to arrest people for their opinions. "Once you give the police this kind of power, they will abuse it," he said, urging Nigerians not to let such actions become a norm.
The singer called on Nigeria's top lawyers to oppose laws and actions that restrict free speech, demanding the immediate release of Farotimi. Kuti argued that the arrest was an example of how criticism of powerful figures could be criminalized, creating a chilling effect on freedom of expression.
Farotimi, who was arraigned on December 4, 2024, faced 16 charges of defamation for allegedly making damaging statements about Afe Babalola SAN, the founder of Afe Babalola University. Kuti, alongside many other activists, called for the lawyer's release, stressing that such actions would diminish the credibility of Nigeria's legal system.
