Protesters expected to gather at the Ministry of Justice in Abuja on Tuesday morning in support of human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi did not show up. The rally, organized by the Take It Back Movement, was part of a larger plan to protest across multiple cities, including Lagos, Ado-Ekiti, London, and Toronto, against perceived injustices in Nigeria’s judiciary.

Despite widespread promotion on social media, including flyers and videos featuring activist Omoyele Sowore, no one was present at the protest site. Security operatives were stationed at the location to maintain order, but the absence of protesters raised questions about the movement’s coordination.

The protests are tied to a legal battle between Dele Farotimi and Afe Babalola, the founder of Afe Babalola University. Farotimi, in his book Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System, accused Babalola of corrupting the judiciary. Babalola responded by filing a defamation petition, claiming the allegations tarnished his decades-long reputation.

Farotimi was arrested in Lagos by Ekiti State police and arraigned in Ado-Ekiti shortly after. The charges have sparked outrage among activists, with calls for solidarity protests. However, a group known as Justice for Afe Babalola Legacy (JABL) issued a strong warning to protesters, advising them to avoid demonstrations in Abuja, Lagos, and Ekiti, or face severe consequences.

While the Take It Back Movement remains firm in its resolve, the absence of protesters in Abuja raises concerns about the effectiveness of such actions in the face of threats and legal pushback.

This situation underscores ongoing tensions between human rights advocates and powerful figures in Nigeria, highlighting the challenges of speaking out against established institutions.