Ahead of Mr Dele Farotimi’s bail application hearing on Tuesday 10, December, the Ekiti State Police Command has banned illegal gatherings and protest in the state.
Recall that, Dele Farotimi, a human rights lawyer was arrested in Lagos for allegedly defaming Afe Babalola, SAN. He was accused of authoring and publishing a book titled “Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System.”
Farotimi alleged that Afe Babalola corrupted the Supreme Court to procure a fraudulent judgment in his client’s favor.
In the statement released by Ekiti police spokesman, Abutu Sunday, the command noted that the ban was to ensure a peaceful atmosphere and ensure the safety of lives and property of all and sundry.
The statement reads in part: “Any form of unlawful gathering, demonstration or protest is unacceptable as intelligence report available has it that some unscrupulous individuals have planned to hide under this protest to hijack it and unleash mayhem and create apprehension in the state.
“The Command, under the leadership of CP Akinwale Kunle Adeniran,mni, is assuring everyone of adequate security during and after this Ember months period while seeking for more supports, collaboration and obedience to law and order.
“In view of this, the Command, to sustain the peace, Parents and Guardians are therefore implored to advise their wards to shun any act that is inimical to the peace and security of the State, as anyone who runs foul of this directive will be dealt with in accordance with the law.”
The statement further added: “The Command has also placed a ban on the sales and use of fireworks, knockouts and firecrackers in the state, as these are capable of causing security threat, distractions, unnecessary apprehension and health-related issues.