Human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi, has accused the Nigerian government of being complicit in the alleged ongoing genocide in the country, saying there is overwhelming evidence of state-backed atrocities that have continued unchecked for years.
Farotimi, reacting to U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent comments on Nigeria’s violence, said he had been warning about the situation for over a decade and did not need an American politician to validate what he has long described as “a genocide.”
Speaking in a video, he stated,
“I do not need Trump to tell me that the Nigerian government is complicit in the genocide taking place in this country. I have been saying this consistently for a decade — in public, in books, in speeches, and in essays.”
Farotimi questioned whether the Nigerian government had indeed continued to allow genocide and mass atrocities, noting that several prominent figures had previously spoken about the issue.
“Commodore Olawumi has said it, Bugaji has said it, Baraje has said it. The fact that Alimodu Sheriff still walks around freely and remains influential tells me everything I need to know about the complicity of the Nigerian state,” he added.
Calls for Accountability and End to Foreign Aids
Reacting to Trump’s reported threat to cut off U.S. aid to Nigeria, Farotimi said he had personally told U.S. officials that Nigeria does not need foreign assistance, arguing that such aid often fuels corruption and poverty.
“America’s interest in Nigeria is not benevolent,” he said. “Keep your aid and assistance. They have only served to reinforce the evil that has overtaken our country. Stop being the net recipient of our stolen commonwealth.”
He urged Western nations to deny safe havens and banking access to corrupt Nigerian politicians and individuals accused of funding or enabling violence.
“Those who kill Nigerians live comfortably in your countries, buy homes, and enjoy dual citizenship. Stop allowing them access to your banking systems and force them to return home to face justice,” he said.
Warns Against U.S. Military Intervention
Farotimi cautioned President Trump against military intervention in Nigeria, stressing that foreign invasion would worsen the country’s problems.
“We have seen what happens when America comes blazing into other countries. Nigeria does not need that,” he said. “What is required is international pressure, exposure of corruption, and legal accountability through the courts.”
He called on the International Criminal Court (ICC) and Western governments to use existing mechanisms to expose and prosecute those responsible for killings and corruption in Nigeria.
“If there are indeed people guilty of these crimes, expose them and bring them before the international courts created for such purposes — but do not come into our country with guns blazing,” he added.
Context
Farotimi’s remarks come after the United States redesignated Nigeria as a “Country of Concern” over alleged genocide against Christians and worsening human rights abuses.
The development has sparked renewed international scrutiny of terrorist attacks, sectarian killings, and violent clashes between herders and farmers across Nigeria.
Analysts say the situation has prompted global calls for accountability and stronger protection of human rights, as Nigeria continues to battle escalating insecurity and internal displacement.
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