PHOTO of Dele Farotimi in handcuffs while Yahaya Bello walked majestically upset Nigerians

Many people have expressed their disgust at the actions of Nigerian security operatives and their handling of cases and individuals involved.

One of the viral photos showed former Governor of Kogi State Yahaya Bello smiling and walking majestically in the company of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) without handcuffs, despite facing N110 billion in fraud and money laundering charges.

Although Bello had on several occasions failed to comply with a court order demanding he appear before the court, after he finally made himself available, he was not treated like a criminal.

Farotimi, who was accused of defaming Afe Babalola, was ‘illegally’ abducted to Ekiti State, where he was detained for several days before being sent to court in handcuffs after several demands for his release.

As a result of the backlash, an Ekiti State magistrate court granted Farotimi a N50 million bail and adjourned the case to January 2025.

These two photos have sparked widespread reactions in Nigeria as they bring the country’s justice system into question.

Recall that Farotimi was arrested in Lagos by police operatives who stormed his office premises in search of him, harassing members of his staff. He was then taken to Ekiti State, where he continued to be detained following a petition filed by Afe Babalola.

As a result, many people have expressed disappointment at the arrest of the human rights lawyer, demanding his release and planning to protest if the police continue to hold Farotimi.

Here are some reactions.

@mrfestusogun: Dele Farotimi in handcuffs.
Yahaya Bello walking majestically.
Tale of two justice system.

@SegunOladejo_: ‘Nigeria and its corrupt criminal justice system’

@IykeNwaObi: Tale of the rich and the truth.

@TemiR5U: Except playing out from the book right in our face titled: Nigeria And It’s Criminal Justice System

“The system of administration of impunity has assured that members of the “ruining crass” are rarely ever held to account for their serial crimes against the victims of their misrulebut the victims are never spared the harshness of the laws devoid of equity”

@SimoncoleB: This picture says a whole lot about the decadence in our security apparatus and the Judiciary. The common man no longer has hope.

@Arakunrin_MFR: A criminal who has stolen a state’s property walks free while someone accused of defamation is handcuffed, a picture that reflects the nation’s judiciary system’s failure, as DF has long stated.

These precedents are blatant examples of how the Nigerian state oppresses the poor and persecutes the wealthy.

@sirnicholas29: Nigeria is a pitiable country. A man who stole over 100b naira is walking freely even with his personal guards while the other person who was accused of defamation is walking with handcuff. What a country!

@ENIOLANIMI30: We should be ashamed of our judicial system in this county