The legal representatives of Afe Babalola, SAN, founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, have stated that human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi must substantiate his allegations against the elder statesman to be cleared of the charges against him.
Speaking at a press conference in Ado Ekiti on Friday, Babalola’s lawyers—Owoseni Ajayi, Olakanmi Falade, and Lawrence Fasanmi, all former chairmen of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Ado Ekiti Branch—addressed the case involving Farotimi, who has been accused of defamation.
Background to the Case
The allegations stem from claims made by Farotimi in his book, Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System, which prompted Babalola to petition the police for an investigation. According to his legal team, the charges brought against Farotimi are necessary for the law to take its course.
The lawyers accused Farotimi of attempting to damage Babalola’s reputation, which they described as the result of decades of hard work and dedication.
Arrest and Court Proceedings
Following Babalola’s petition, the Ekiti State Police arrested Farotimi in Lagos on Tuesday. He was subsequently arraigned on Wednesday before an Ekiti State Magistrates’ Court in Ado Ekiti on defamation charges.
During the proceedings, the police requested that Farotimi be remanded in custody, while his legal team argued for bail. Chief Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun denied the bail application and ordered Farotimi’s remand, adjourning the case to December 10, 2024.
Press Conference
Owoseni Ajayi, Babalola’s lead lawyer and a former Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General in Ekiti State, clarified that the press conference aimed to address misleading reports about the case.
“The ongoing matter is between the Nigerian Police and Mr. Farotimi over his defamatory statements against Chief Afe Babalola. The legal process must be allowed to run its course,” Ajayi stated.
Babalola’s legal team emphasized their commitment to protecting the elder statesman’s reputation while ensuring due process in the case.