Don’t Pity Dele Farotimi!

By Dayo Thomas*

The case of Dele Farotimi and Aare Afe Babalola is indeed a disturbing example of how state power can be misused to persecute individuals who dare to challenge powerful people in Nigeria.

This case involves a dispute between Dele Farotimi and Afe Babalola, with Farotimi accusing Babalola of exerting corrupt influence over the Nigerian judiciary. The situation escalated with Farotimi facing persecution and intimidation, highlighting the risks faced by those who speak truth to power in Nigeria.

As a journalist, I have a perfect understanding that it is a demonstration of the dangers of unchecked power and corruption in Nigeria, where individuals with influence can manipulate the system to silence critics and opponents.

As a journalist in Nigeria, I have had my fair share of encounters with those in power. I had many encounters, but one particular experience stood out when I was with the National Interest Newspaper and investigating a financial fraud story involving a bank managing director and a PDP chieftain in Anambra State. It was terrible!

While carrying out my legitimate assignment, I faced intimidation, harassment and bullying from the Department of State Services (DSS) for daring to challenge the ‘owners of Nigeria’.

After our initial discussions with the managing director on the phone, we were “invited” by the MD to balance our story and hear his side. The interview lasted for just a few minutes, but what followed was as dramatic as it was intriguing. In a twinkling of an eye, heavily armed men appeared and ordered us to raise our hands and surrender our phones. “Hands up, you bastards,” echoed the leader of a team who ordinarily was supposed to mediate in a civil matter.

We were matched down the stairs like criminals and forced to raise our hands amidst unfriendly sun and enthusiastic bank customers and then, in a James Bond version, driven in a 504 station wagon to DSS headquarters in Shagisha, Lagos, where the second leg of the intimidation commenced.

This encounter is a testament to the challenges journalists and others face in Nigeria when trying to hold those in power accountable.

My story highlights the bravery and resilience of journalists and others who risk their lives and safety to expose corruption and wrongdoings in our system

It also underscores the importance of a liberal criminal justice system and a free press in holding those in power accountable.

As I said, “Don’t pity Dele, it’s the lot of people’s defenders to face the wrath of Nigeria’s powerful elite for daring to ask them to account for their stewardship.

*Thomas is a journalist