Falana Assembles Legal Team to Sue Ex-Dictator Babangida Over Detention and Trial for Opposing June 12 Election Annulment

Human rights lawyer and activist, Femi Falana, has assembled a legal team to pursue legal action against former military ruler Ibrahim Babangida for his role in the detention and trial of Falana and other activists who opposed the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.

This bold move is part of Falana's ongoing efforts to seek justice for the unlawful actions carried out under Babangida's military regime.

Falana, who has long been an advocate for human rights and democracy, was detained by the Babangida-led government due to his outspoken stance against the controversial annulment of the June 12 election. The election, which saw Moshood Abiola emerge as the winner, was nullified by Babangida, leading to widespread protests and resistance from pro-democracy activists.

In his statement, Falana expressed that the illegal detention was not only an attempt to silence him and other activists but also part of a broader strategy to suppress opposition to the military government’s undemocratic actions. He made it clear that Babangida's actions were unjust and that the time for accountability had come.

The lawsuit will seek redress for the violation of Falana's constitutional rights, including unlawful detention, and demand compensation for the emotional and physical distress caused during the period of detention. The legal action also aims to hold Babangida accountable for his role in the trial of individuals who were simply exercising their right to speak out against what they believed was a fraudulent annulment of the election results.

Falana's legal team will also bring attention to the broader context of Babangida's military regime, which was characterized by the suspension of democratic processes, political repression, and widespread human rights abuses. Falana's move is expected to shine a light on this dark chapter in Nigeria's history and provide a platform for those affected by the regime's repressive actions to seek justice.

The case is expected to garner significant attention, with many Nigerians hoping that it will serve as a catalyst for broader discussions on accountability, justice, and the protection of civil liberties. Falana, known for his unwavering commitment to fighting for the rights of the oppressed, has vowed to continue his efforts until the government is held to account for its past misdeeds.

As the legal proceedings unfold, it remains to be seen whether Babangida, who has largely remained out of the public spotlight in recent years, will be forced to confront the legal consequences of his actions. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring that those responsible for human rights violations are held accountable, regardless of their political status.