Civil rights activist Dele Farotimi has criticized the Nigerian Police and the judiciary for restricting citizens from holding peaceful protests, describing their actions as evidence that Nigeria is “mimicking democracy.”
Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Tuesday, Farotimi argued that in a true democracy, citizens should not need police permission to protest, adding that the police should only be informed to provide security.
“That a court would curtail the right of citizens to protest peacefully suggests we are not in a democracy. We’re only pretending to be,” he said.
His remarks followed Monday’s #FreeNnamdiKanu protest in Abuja, led by activist Omoyele Sowore. Protesters marched despite a court order and police warnings, chanting for the release of Nnamdi Kanu before being dispersed by teargas.
Farotimi also faulted the judiciary, saying it acts as an extension of the executive and no longer serves justice. He added that citizens who protest peacefully should not face criminal charges, arguing that only violent offenders should be arrested.
He cited his own experience with a court case filed under what he described as a “non-existent law,” highlighting flaws in Nigeria’s legal system. Farotimi further criticized the government’s handling of past protests, including the 2020 EndSARS movement, noting that police units were merely rebranded without meaningful reform.
Responding to the protest, police spokesman Benjamin Hundeyin said the use of teargas was necessary to protect critical infrastructure in Abuja and maintain law and order, in line with a court order restricting protests around Aso Rock and other sensitive locations.
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