Human rights activist, Comrade Ufezime Nelson Ubi, has condemned in strongest terms, the “obnoxious and oppressive” N30million bail terms imposed on human rights lawyers, Dele Farotimi by the Kangaroo Ekiti State Magistrate Court.
Ubi lambasted the court, describing the bail terms imposed on Farotimi on Friday as a flagrant violation of justice and a dangerous step towards the erosion of democracy in Nigeria.
The Magistrate Court on Friday granted Farotimi an exorbitant N30 million bail with two sureties, one of whom must be a property owner.
The court also compelled Farotimi to surrender his passport, and prohibited him from granting media interviews.
Reacting to the stringent, oppressive bail terms, Ubi said that the bail terms are not just harsh but are calculated plots to suppress dissent, silence a voice for justice, and intimidate those who dare to challenge a corrupt system.
He said, “Bail is a constitutional right, designed to ensure that an accused person remains free while awaiting trial.
“It is meant to prevent unjust imprisonment and allow for the continuation of normal life.
“However, in the case of Comrade Farotimi, the court has weaponised bail as a means of political repression.
“These conditions betray the core principles of fairness and equality that should define the judiciary in a democratic society.
“The imposition of a N30million bond is not just excessive; it is a blatant attempt to cripple Comrade Farotimi financially.
“In a country where the majority of its citizens live in poverty, this bond is a deliberate barrier to justice.
“It is an attempt to create a financial gulf between the political elite and the oppressed masses, a move that effectively turns justice into a commodity only accessible to the wealthy.”
Ubi noted that the bail condition does not serve to ensure that Farotimi will appear in court but is instead designed to punish him for his activism, isolating him from the very people he represents.
According to him, the requirement for two sureties, one of whom must be a property owner, compounds injustice for Farotimi.
Ubi said, “In a society where access to land and wealth is grossly unequal, this condition systematically excludes a majority of Nigerians from playing any role in the fight for justice.
“Property ownership, as a criterion for granting bail, further entrenches class divisions and ensures that justice remains out of reach for those who need it most.
“Equally troubling is the court’s demand for the surrender of Farotimi’s passport.
“This is not a minor inconvenience but a gross violation of his fundamental human right to freedom of movement.
“By restricting his ability to travel, the court seeks to isolate him, preventing him from raising his voice on international platforms or mobilising global support for the causes he stands for.
“This is a direct attack on his ability to advocate for change and a strategic move to stifle his activism beyond the borders of Nigeria.
“However, the most egregious and chilling aspect of these bail conditions is the prohibition on granting media interviews.
“This gag order is an explicit infringement on Comrade Farotimi’s right to free speech and expression.
“It is an attempt to silence him, to prevent him from sharing his message with the public, and to curb his influence in the struggle for social justice.
“The court’s decision to impose such a condition is not only an assault on Farotimi’s personal freedoms but also a direct threat to democracy itself.
“These bail conditions are part of a broader strategy of intimidation and repression aimed at stifling activism across Nigeria.
“They represent an attempt to send a clear message to all Nigerians: speak out, and you will face severe consequences.
“This dangerous precedent undermines the very foundation of democracy and erodes public trust in the judiciary.”
He said that the judiciary should serve as the ultimate defender of justice, equity, and fairness; noting, “In this case, it has failed in its duty and aligned itself with the forces of repression.
“Rather than being a check on governmental power, the court has become an instrument of state control, reinforcing inequality and oppression.
“The persecution of Comrade Dele Farotimi is not an isolated event but part of a disturbing trend in Nigeria, where those who speak out against injustice are harassed, intimidated, and silenced.”
He said that the growing pattern threatens the freedoms of Nigerians and puts the very future of democracy of the country at risk.
He said, “We must condemn these bail conditions unequivocally. They are unjust, unconstitutional, and unfit for a nation that aspires to uphold the rule of law.
“We demand an immediate review of these oppressive conditions and call on the judiciary to reaffirm its commitment to justice and fairness for all Nigerians, regardless of their political views.
“The struggle for justice in Nigeria is far from over. Comrade Dele Farotimi’s courage in the face of these oppressive bail terms is an inspiration to all who believe in the fight for truth and accountability.
“It is our collective responsibility to stand with him and with all those who refuse to be silenced by fear and intimidation.”
Ubi stressed that injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere, saying, “These oppressive bail conditions must not stand unchallenged.
“We call on all Nigerians to speak out against this travesty and demand a judiciary that truly serves the people and upholds the principles of justice, fairness, and equality.
“Let us rise to defend democracy, justice, and freedom. The future of Nigeria depends on our collective will to resist tyranny and to restore the rule of law.
“Comrade Dele Farotimi’s struggle is our struggle, and his victory will be a victory for all Nigerians who believe in a just and equitable society.” (SaharaReporters)
