Human rights lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi has broken his silence days after his release from detention, thanking Nigerians for their overwhelming support.

Farotimi, known for his outspoken criticism of Nigeria’s legal and justice system, was arrested in Lagos on December 3, 2024, over allegations of defamation against legal luminary Afe Babalola.

On December 4, an Ekiti State Magistrate Court presided over by Abayomi Adeosun, ordered his remand in prison.

Days later, on December 6, the police levelled an additional 12-count charge against him, escalating the case’s profile.

After weeks of legal tussles, the court granted him bail on December 20, setting stringent conditions, including a N30 million bond, the submission of his international passport, and a ban on granting media interviews during the ongoing trial.

In a heartfelt video now trending on social media, Farotimi expressed gratitude to the public for rallying behind him.

He remarked, “We lost our humanity when we allowed divisions to define us. But you refused to see me as just a Yoruba man or a Christian.

You spoke for me as a fellow human being. Because of your voices, Nigeria couldn’t silence me.

Your unity became my strength, and in that collective voice, we stood together.”