Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Afe Babalola’s legal team has announced conditions for the release of detained human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi. They insist that Farotimi must substantiate the allegations made against Babalola in his book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.
During a press briefing in Ado Ekiti on Friday, lawyers Owoseni Ajayi, Olakanmi Falade, and Lawrence Fasanmi defended Babalola’s decision to seek legal redress. They revealed that the defamation allegations were being investigated by the Police, following a petition from Babalola, and clarified that Farotimi’s court case would allow the law to take its course.
“All facts are verifiable,” Ajayi stated. “I urge Nigerians to seek the truth before picking sides. Is it wrong for Aare Afe Babalola to seek justice for these false utterances? Justice is not exclusive to one individual, no matter their status. If Mr. Dele Farotimi provides proof of his claims, he will be free.”
Ajayi emphasized that while free speech is protected by law, it does not extend to statements intended to harm reputations.
Police File Additional Cybercrime Charges Against Farotimi
In a related development, the Nigerian Police have filed 12 fresh cybercrime charges against Farotimi. This adds to the 16 defamation charges he already faces. The new charges, filed at the Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti on Friday, accuse Farotimi of making defamatory remarks about Afe Babalola during a podcast with journalist Seun Okinbaloye and at a press conference held on December 2, 2024.
Farotimi was initially arrested on December 3 in Lagos by the Ekiti State Police Command and arraigned the next day before Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun, who ordered his remand until December 10.
In the new filing, the Police claim Farotimi engaged in “intimidation and defamation” of Babalola through his podcast statements and public disclosures about ongoing legal actions.
Context and Public Reaction
Farotimi’s arrest and subsequent charges have sparked public debate, with rights groups like SERAP and activist Aisha Yesufu calling for his immediate release. Critics argue that the charges raise concerns about free speech and the role of legal authorities in civil disputes.
Babalola’s legal team maintains that the SAN has a right to seek justice, urging Nigerians to await the court’s determination. “This is about safeguarding reputation, not silencing dissent,” Ajayi added.
Farotimi, who remains in detention, has not yet publicly responded to the latest developments.
