Activist lawyer Dele Farotimi on Tuesday made headlines as he firmly reiterated his stance on the allegations he had previously made against Afe Babalola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD).
The controversy stems from Farotimi's book titled "Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System," in which he accused Babalola and other senior lawyers in his chamber of corrupting the Supreme Court. This bold assertion led to a legal battle that saw Farotimi arrested and subsequently released on bail.
Farotimi's arrest occurred on December 3, 2024, in Lagos, following a petition filed by Afe Babalola concerning the content of the book. He was taken to Ekiti, where he was arraigned before a Magistrate Court on charges of defamation. Despite the serious nature of the allegations, Farotimi remained steadfast in his claims, asserting that he has never lied against anyone.
"In my war against the evil empire that we all live in, I have never lied against anyone. If I don’t know, I will say I don’t know," Farotimi stated, emphasizing that truth is his only defense.
The court proceedings were intense, with Farotimi being granted bail under stringent conditions. The bail was set at ₦30 million, and he was required to produce two sureties, one of whom must be a property owner. Additionally, he was ordered to submit his passport and was prohibited from granting media interviews once released. These conditions were met, allowing Farotimi to regain his freedom from the Ekiti State Correctional Centre.
Upon his release, Farotimi addressed journalists, reiterating his commitment to exposing what he perceives as injustices within the Nigerian justice system.
"It is not ever an easy journey when you are fighting evil, but some years back, before I started this work, God told me that the truth is enough. It is the only weapon with which you can slay the monster called Nigeria," he declared. His words reflect a deep conviction in his mission to challenge corruption and advocate for transparency and accountability.
The legal saga between Farotimi and Babalola has drawn massive attention, with various stakeholders weighing in on the matter. The Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) rejected Afe Babalola's request to debar Farotimi over the defamation allegations, suggesting that the case should be pursued through the courts.
In addition to the defamation charges, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, filed 12 additional charges against Farotimi, including cyberbullying. These charges further complicate the legal landscape surrounding the case and indicate the high stakes involved for both parties.
Despite the mounting legal challenges, Farotimi remains resolute in his pursuit of justice. He expressed no regrets about his actions, stating, "In my journey to expose the truth about the injustices we face, I have no regrets and no reason to lie against anyone. The truth is my only defence." His unwavering stance has garnered support from various quarters, including former Minister Dalung, who expressed skepticism about Babalola's ability to succeed in the defamation case against Farotimi.
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