The legal representatives of Afe Babalola, founder of Afe Babalola University, have stated that embattled human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi will be freed if he substantiates his allegations of judicial corruption against the elder statesman.
Addressing a press conference in Ado Ekiti on Friday, Babalola’s lawyers—led by Owoseni Ajayi, a former attorney general of Ekiti State, alongside Olakanmi Falade and Lawrence Fasanmi—responded to public reactions regarding Mr Farotimi’s ongoing defamation trial.
Farotimi is accused of making defamatory claims in his book, Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System, alleging that Babalola influenced the Supreme Court to secure fraudulent judgments for his clients.
Ajayi clarified that Babalola petitioned the police to investigate the claims and hold Farotimi accountable if he could not prove them. He stated, “Once Mr Dele Farotimi can show proof that his assertions in the book are true, then he will be free. The law allows free speech, but not one that is calculated to injure the good reputation of another”.
The lawyers argued that Farotimi’s book was aimed at tarnishing the reputation of their client and his law firm. They also emphasised the severity of the claims, citing provisions of the Criminal Code Act, which prescribes up to three years’ imprisonment for publishing false information that causes public alarm or damages reputations.
Ajayi defended the police’s actions, describing the arrest and arraignment process as proper and in line with legal procedures. He explained that since the book is accessible in Ekiti, it falls within the jurisdiction of the state’s courts.
He dismissed suggestions that the court denied Farotimi bail, stating, “For the uninformed saying the court denied him bail, there was nothing like that. There is nothing special in the case of Dele Farotimi in that the court cannot ask his lawyers to make their bail application formal.”
Ajayi rejected the notion that Babalola’s actions were vindictive, asserting that the senior advocate seeks justice, not vengeance. He urged Farotimi’s supporters and family to advise him to apologise to Babalola, remarking, “Those pushing Farotimi are not his friends. By the time they lead him to the dungeon, he would realise they were deceiving him. Let me advise his family members to apologise to Aare. Aare Babalola is a builder, not interested in destroying Farotimi.”
The matter is scheduled for further hearing on December 10, 2024, when Farotimi’s bail application will be addressed.