Activist Dele Farotimi Questions Police Silence on Alleged Extrajudicial Killings in Ekpoma Protest
Prominent human rights lawyer and social critic Dele Farotimi has publicly challenged the Nigeria Police Force for its lack of response to alleged extrajudicial killings and arrests connected with a recent protest in Ekpoma, Edo State, raising fresh concerns about accountability in security matters.
The controversy stems from a protest that began as a reaction to rising insecurity and kidnappings in the Ekpoma area. Reports allege that during a demonstration involving students from Ambrose Alli University (AAU), a soldier shot and wounded a 32-year-old protester, and subsequent clashes led to multiple injuries and deaths among demonstrators.
Videos circulating online showed police officers allegedly conducting late-night operations around student hostels, making arrests in the aftermath of the protest. Critics say these actions suggest heavy-handed tactics by security forces, yet there has been minimal official comment or transparent investigation from law enforcement authorities. Farotimi pointedly questioned this silence in a social media post.
In his comments, Farotimi referenced broader concerns about Nigeria’s criminal justice system, implying that the same institutions accused of unlawful conduct were also involved in prosecuting civilians, such as himself in past defamation and cyberbullying cases. He wrote that the justice system appears to enable extrajudicial measures and arbitrary remands rather than uphold due process.
The Farotimi statement comes amid escalating debates over civil liberties and state responses to civic unrest in Nigeria. Many rights advocates have called for urgent investigations into alleged abuses and greater transparency from security agencies regarding their conduct during protests.