The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Dele Farotimi

  • The Afe Babalola/Dele Farotimi saga

    The Afe Babalola/Dele Farotimi saga

    Early last week, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi II, led five other traditional rulers in the Southwest to placate Afe Babalola, legal icon and educationist par excellence, over his disagreement with activist Dele Farotimi whose new book allegedly slandered the founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti. After stalling for weeks, and after withstanding the interventions of former president Olusegun Obasanjo and a few other highly placed Nigerians, Chief Babalola announced that he could not turn deaf ears to the obas’ pleas. He announced an end to the litigation against Mr Farotimi.

    But that was as clear as Nigerians could possibly have of the case. Too many questions were, however, left unanswered. One of the reasons for the legal icon’s intransigence was the refusal of Mr Farotimi to apologise and withdraw the book from circulation. In this latest instance, there is no indication of any apologies or book withdrawal. Without book withdrawal, which would imply the repudiation of its contents, whatever the author wrote would stand as uncontroverted for all time, also suggesting that the contents will be held to be true.

    Read Also: Alausa, Afe Babalola, scientists, others for confab

    Uncharacteristically too, Mr Farotimi, who had earlier insisted he was not going to apologies, and had indeed not sent anyone to beg on his behalf, has kept mum. So, what does he think of the case? Is he standing pat or caving in? And at whose instance did the monarchs, all six of them or so, travel to Ado Ekiti to beg Chief Babalola? Such high-powered subversion of litigation is uncommon, especially in a highly litigious society like Nigeria.

    Finally, what will happen to the other litigants and non-litigants whose reputations have been allegedly injured in the book, including nearly all the eminent jurists, up to the Supreme Court, who received dishonourable mention? Would the traditional rulers rely on Chief Babalola to also importune the offended lawyers and jurists simply because his fury had been conciliated? Mr Farotimi has been loquacious and bold; might he be persuaded to speak up and shed light on these mysteries? Whatever happens, it does not seem Nigerians have heard the last of both the case and the vexatious book.

  • Farotimi meets bail conditions, leaves prison

    Farotimi meets bail conditions, leaves prison

    Human rights lawyer and activist, Dele Farotimi, has regained freedom after meeting bail conditions.

    This was made known by politician and activist, Omoyele Sowore.

    Farotimi was arrested earlier in the month for allegedly defaming Afe Babalola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD).

    Farotimi, who was remanded at a correctional centre in Ado-Ekiti, arrived at the magistrates’ court premises around 9:45 am last Friday amid heavy security presence.

    Posting on X, Sowore said the embattled activist lawyer was no longer at the prison yards in Ekiti State.

    Read Also: Dele Farotimi regains freedom, meets bail conditions

    He wrote: “I am pleased to report that Dele Farotimi is no longer being held at the prison yard in Ekiti State and is now returning home in Lagos. The struggle continues!”

    A few days ago, a Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ado-Ekiti had granted Farotimi N30 million bail, two sureties, one of whom must be a property owner, a submission of Farotimi’s passport and a prohibition of Farotimi granting media interviews once released.

    Confirming his release, another lawyer and activist, Chii Odinakalu, also wrote on X, “In Ekiti, @DeleFarotimi has perfected bail & regained his freedom. He’ll be on his way back to Lagos. To all the friends of justice who have been vigilant through this, we say please remain vigilant. It is not the end or the beginning of the end. This is an #AttritionMarathon.”

  • Bail: needlessly lionising Farotimi

    Bail: needlessly lionising Farotimi

    Even without the Federal High Court in Ekiti admitting activist and politician Dele Farotimi to bail in the cybercrime bullying case brought against him by the Nigeria Police, it was inevitable that the Ekiti State Magistrate Court where he is standing trial for criminal defamation would also grant him bail. The police are prosecuting him pursuant to the complaint of legal icon and educationist Afe Babalola, 95. The Federal High Court set, among other terms, a bail sum of N50m, while the Magistrate Court set bail at N30m. Mr Farotimi is unlikely to face any difficulty in meeting the terms of the bails. Indeed, his former boss to whom he was presidential campaign spokesman, Peter Obi, has offered to help him meet the terms.

    Clearly, going by how he pumped his fist outside the Magistrate Court in the midst of his euphoric supporters, he is not going to beg anyone he has allegedly libeled in his penny dreadful book, Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System. He may have, in the estimation of many Nigerians, particularly the Obidients and anti-establishment activists and civil society organizations, written himself into a storm, but all his adult life as a lawyer, he has been shrill in lampooning anyone he did not take a fancy to, especially government. He had hankered after a cause célèbre, now he has found one. He will milk it to the bitterest dreg in his legal jousting with Chief Babalola. He was reported to have suggested that should he face a suit over his trenchant and perhaps tendentious views, the case would drag on until the complainant passes away.

    He has been admitted to bail, partly on the condition that he must not grant press interviews. Like the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, he would find it irresistible not speaking to the media, obliquely or undisguisedly. It is in his nature to posture, and as his December 20 bail hearing indicated, he cannot resist the glare of publicity. Leading Obidient intellectuals, their foot soldiers, and surprisingly an undistinguished faction of the Yoruba political and socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, had all warned before Friday that should the Magistrate Court decline to grant Mr Farotimi bail, they would embark on street action. It was an empty threat: they knew the offence Mr Farotimi was charged with was bailable, and they knew after the Federal High Court had given him bail that the lower court could not conceivably refuse him. By threatening fire and brimstone, like the man in the eye of the storm himself, they were just posturing.

    Read Also: New trajectory of NNPCL under Kyari’s leadership

    The collective assault on the judiciary is saddening. How does a simple defamation case, whether criminal or civil, become a celebrated case in which the complainant is demonised and the accused is lionised? Before, during and after the presidential election, the judiciary had been pummeled and intimidated. Because it has its own flaws like all other institutions, it has been unable to respond adequately to the calumniation orchestrated by some ethnic irredentists, civil society organisations, and lately Obidients. The Farotimi case is a continuation of the intimidation of the judiciary and an indication that political reasons are at the base of the abuse of judges. Because the calumniators have got away with murder on social media, the intimidation is unlikely to stop. It will, therefore, be up to individual judges to stare down their traducers and insist on judging cases on their merit.

    By offering to help Mr Farotimi meet his bail terms, Mr Obi, a former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), lends credence to the suspicion that a carefully wrought agenda to undermine the judiciary was being undertaken. Whether the suspicion is true or false, Mr Farotimi and his supporters, including Mr Obi, will continue to view every case judged against them as the product of judicial compromise. As the criminal defamation and cybercrime cases continue, every court appearance will be an opportunity for Mr Farotimi to engage in legal histrionics. Since the Obidients are a captive audience led by the nose, they will also use the appearance to scandalise the courts. This pull and push on a national scale will likely continue for some time, aided by social media and an undiscriminating traditional media. Few persons will be concerned that Mr Farotimi and his supporters are playing a political card, a tactic they will deploy to the hilt as the cases drag on and evidence become scarcer to find or more arduous to present.

    But it must concern the courts that this case should not be allowed to drag on for much longer than necessary. Not only is the complaint registered by Chief Babalola of such huge legal and societal consequence, to leave it unresolved for an extended period is to entrench the injury complained about as well as subordinate justice to politics. Hopefully the cases would be heard with despatch, and the cause of justice served. If Mr Farotimi is exculpated, so be it. But if Chief Babalola gets the upper hand, the courts must not be swayed by mob intimidation to hem and haw on suits that are likely to define public behavior and political relationships in the years ahead.

  • UPDATED: Court grants Farotimi bail in defamation case

    UPDATED: Court grants Farotimi bail in defamation case

    The Chief Magistrate Court in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, has granted embattled human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi, bail in the sum of N30 million after being charged with 14 counts of defamation. 

    Presiding over the case, Chief Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun ordered that Farotimi provide two sureties, one of whom must own property in Ado-Ekiti, as part of the bail conditions. 

    Farotimi was arrested on December 3, 2024, in Lagos by operatives of the Ekiti state police command over allegations of defamation against him.

    He was accused in a 14-count charge of defaming a renowned lawyer, Chief Afe Babalola, SAN in his book titled, ‘Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System’ where he alleged that Babalola corrupted the Supreme Court to procure a fraudulent judgement in the service of his clients.

    In the last two court sessions on December 4 and 10, the court could not grant the defendant bail and remanded him in prison after opposition by the prosecuting counsel, Samson Osobu alluding that Farotimi is a flight risk if granted bail.

    During the proceeding on Friday, the Chief Magistrate, Abayomi Adeosun while granting the bail application by the defence counsel said the offence of defamation preferred against Farotimi is bailable despite taking note of the issues raised by the prosecuting counsel.

    Read Also: What is so special about Dele Farotimi?

    He ordered that the Farotimi must provide a N30 million bond with two sureties who are responsible citizens of the country with one of them a house owner in Ado-Ekiti.

    The court also barred Farotimi from granting media interviews or making comments on the issue pending the determination of the substantive suit in the court, and that he should submit his international passport.

    The head of the defence counsel, Barr. Adejare Kembi informed the court that the defendant’s international passport has been dropped at the Federal High Court earlier as part of his bail conditions on a different suit on alleged cybercrime against him.

    The magistrate ruled that the defence team should provide a written document from the Registrar of the Federal High Court confirming the receipt of the passport.

    He said: “I have taken note of the fear of the prosecution counsel that he is a flight risk and I have balanced it with the fact that the alleged offence is still a bailable one and I decided to grant the application on the promise that the defendant will promptly appear for the case.

    “Bail is therefore granted to the defendants on the following conditions; N30 million bond, the defendants shall produce two sureties who should be responsible individuals in the Nigerian society, one of which must be a house owner in the metropolis of Ado-Ekiti.

    “He shall submit his international passport and refrain in the meantime, media interviews or comments whatsoever whether in the electronic or print media during the course of the case.

    Adeosun before adjourning the trial of the case till February 13, 2025 ruled on the pending application on the appearance of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika for the defendant in the court.

    Citing the principle of judicial precedent relating to the judgement of Ibadan division of Appeal court on the case between commissioner of police and Bamgboye, the court ruled that senior lawyers (SAN) are not permitted to appear at the Magistrate court.

    Speaking with newsmen, Kembi while commending the ruling on the bail application, said the defence team would work towards perfecting the bail conditions in record time for the defendant to have his freedom from the prison custody.

    The lead counsel to the nominal complainant (Afe Babalola) Owoseni Ajayi said the team alongside the prosecuting counsel to run the case adding that, “the defendant has scandalize not only Chief Afe Babalola but the entire judiciary, and this is heavy allegation against him that he must defend.”

  • BREAKING: Court grants Dele Farotimi ₦30m bail

    BREAKING: Court grants Dele Farotimi ₦30m bail

    A Magistrate court in Ekiti State has granted human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi ₦30 million bail.

    Farotimi arrived at the Ekiti Magistrate Court, with heavy security comprising policemen and other law enforcement agents sighted.

    Read Also: Afenifere to police: stop prosecuting Farotimi

    He was remanded in prison custody on December 7, 2024, after being arrested on 16 counts of criminal defamation, following the publication of his book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.

    Details shortly…

  • What is so special about Dele Farotimi?

    What is so special about Dele Farotimi?

    • By Mike Kebonkwu

    Sometimes, silence is just simply golden; leave the bad enough to go away. Chinua Achebe in his inimitable bestseller, Things Fall Apart said that “… the act of conversation is valued highly and proverb is the palm oil with which words are eaten”.  There is a saying in the Ika language, a sub ethnic group in Delta State “that a man who takes on the puff adder goes down with”; and “when a man enters the ring with a pig his apparel will be sullied”. 

    Prosecuting Dele Farotimi is going to rake out many things; dirty and ugly hitherto unknown, including those hidden underbelly of the book which most people may not have read any way. This is true because reading culture is fading away in the main because the younger generation considers education as a scam.  In addition, there is also the interpenetration of cell phone and social media which have become huge distractions.  People are even more preoccupied with existential issues than reading now considered as luxury and a pastime for a few.  If you want to hide anything from a black man or probably a Nigerian, put it in a book. 

    The matter with Chief Afe Babalola and Dele Farotimi though in the murky waters and realm of the legal arena goes beyond the legal profession.  It is not just about justice delivery in Nigeria but a larger problem of corruption and influence peddling by the elites.  The lawyers may choose to  appropriate the argument to measure their professional ratings and standing but that may not even change the face of reality and perception of the legal profession; the bar and the bench that constitute the third arm of government. 

    Some of the arguments are out-rightly superficial and pedestrian loaded with sentiments and emotions.  It is only coincidental that Farotimi is a lawyer, vocal and extroverted. It could have happened to any class of Nigerian in any other profession whether he is an engineer or a carpenter. 

     In Nigeria, just as we are loud, we always look out for screaming headlines and news items that are dramatic and sensational like the ‘hunting’ and ‘capture’ of Dele Farotimi. It did not make much of news that Dele Farotimi wrote a book until he was brought from Lagos to Ekiti to face charges for criminal defamation against Chief Afe Babalola, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).   His arrest has elicited controversial   public engagements one way or the other depending on the side of the aisle.  Farotimi is a political and right activist with caustic tongue, and unsparing and very audacious.  Is that the reason why we should pull down the roof?  What is the animus, that he has written a book?  Yes!  But there are many writers and authors before him that have caused some stare. 

    By the way, writers and authors are weird and sometimes eccentric and controversial people. Farotimi is fearless, brash and courageous and would not just fit into the mode; is that why we should castrate him?  

    Professor Wole Soyinka in his prison note, “The Man Died”, took on some powerful people; the heavens did not fall.   I do not intend to compare Dele Farotimi with the oracle himself notwithstanding the similarity in their hairstyle.  Salman Rushdie wrote the Satanic Verses perceived as an attack on one of the received religions that earned him a fatwa but he was defended by the state.  Profane and blasphemous words were and are still spoken of our Lord Jesus Christ; he has not called down fire from heaven or a legion of angel to bring judgment to mankind yet. It has become a master’s stroke that Farotimi has taken on an institution, the judiciary and an iconic and reputable individual that is venerated as a deity; then the heavens must fall! 

    Read Also: Tinubu appoints eight new permanent secretaries

    What is the argument on the other side, that the book is defamatory of the Ekiti chief or that the judiciary is manipulated by personality cult?  If you disagree with his thesis, seek legal remedy and bring your counter argument, not vengeance. The trial of Farotimi is an open sore that will put to test the very issue that he was interrogating in his book. You may not like his gut; you may dislike his face or political activism but Farotimi is a reputable patriot; he is a rebel with a cause.

    We may choose to venerate people for whatever reason, but your object of worship may not be another person’s idol.  It is shameful that Farotimi was brought to court in handcuff.  Was he violent or by any means trying to escape?  Humiliating him to break him down is unnecessary vendetta and persecution which should be reserved for the criminals that make our country look big for nothing; profiteers and looters of our common patrimony. Criminals who have looted our treasury and bleeding our country are venerated by the same law enforcement agents and the judiciary. Some felons convicted for treasury looting have been given state pardon and rehabilitated while  others are taking refuge in the National Assembly making laws for us. 

    If Farotimi’s book is offensive, libellous or defamatory or all, then proceed with him in accordance with the law. We have more legal submissions in the court of public opinion via the social media platforms with lawyers pontificating in equal measures the position of the law whether libel or defamation is a civil or penal offence.  Justice on social media platforms and court of public opinion is mob justice.  Let the court first decide the matter one way or the other before seeking the instrumentality of the law to stop the circulation of the book.  To procure court orders in all fronts at the same time when the main cause of action has not been determined is stifling of free speech and a gross abuse of power.  

    This is the same way the Pharisees asked for the armed robber to be released to them and condemned Jesus Christ who had no sin.  That is the same mob justice that we are embracing with relish.  Look at the onerous bail condition given to the man in relation to the offence.  The scale of justice must be fair and balance not oppressive. Some of our judges are actually not corrupt but it is our misfortune that they are corruptly recruited by a system where clearly they do not command the right competences for the rigor of the intellectual demand for the office of a judge.  They are therefore misled by appearance, name and social status.  While free speech is not a licence to demonize others, aggrieved individuals should pursue justice in open handed manner instead of playing god!

    •Kebonkwu Esq writes via mikekebonkwu@yahoo.com

  • Defamation debate: Between Afe Babalola and Dele Farotimi

    Defamation debate: Between Afe Babalola and Dele Farotimi

    By Yushau A. Shuaib

    In 2019, my son, Gidado Shuaib—News Digest publisher and host of the annual Campus Journalism Awards (CJA)—found himself enmeshed in a defamation case that stemmed from a report he and award-winning journalist Alfred Olufemi, published regarding alleged hemp smoking by workers in a factory owned by a powerful individual.

    This ignited a series of events that culminated in police operatives from Kwara State raiding my home in Abuja under the cover of night, detaining him before escorting him for legal proceedings in Ilorin that was concluded this year 2024.

    Similarly, but in a contrasting scenario, I also became embroiled in a legal battle of my own, filing a ₦500 million defamation lawsuit against freelance journalist Terrence Kuanum whose scathing publication inaccurately depicted me as a supporter of Boko Haram and a proxy for ISWAP fighters in Nigeria.

    His derogatory remarks were in response to my published memo urging the then President Muhammdu Buhari to replace service chiefs who had long overstayed their welcome and impeded career progression of other competent military officers.

    The fallout from Kuanum’s article was severe, tarnishing my professional reputation and exposing me to ridicule and even security threats. As a result, after petitioning all security and intelligence services, I sought a perpetual injunction against further defamatory statements, a public apology and ₦500 million in damages.

    In both circumstances, Barrister Yunus Abdulsalam, who was recently inducted as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), represented us. These personal encounters have imparted invaluable insights into the complex legal quagmire that Chief Afe Babalola and Dele Farotimi currently navigate in their own defamation dispute.

    Remaining silent in the face of defamation under the guise of gentility is a fool’s errand. Defamation, legally defined as the communication of a false statement that harms an individual’s reputation, can lead to significant losses in honor, business prospects, or social standing.

    Read Also: Remita lists potential of Nigeria’s National Payment System Vision

    The pivotal elements of defamation include the existence of a false statement, its publication to at least one third party, and demonstrable reputational, financial, or emotional harm, all exacerbated by the defendant’s fault and malicious intent.

    Amid the recent contentious atmosphere surrounding Farotimi’s arrest, misinformation ran rampant on social media and in the press. Unfounded claims insinuated that Tony Elumelu, Chairman of UBA, orchestrated Farotimi’s arrest, while others accused the Bola Tinubu government of weaponizing law enforcement to stifle dissent.

    Disturbingly, many legal professionals, human rights advocates, and journalists neglected to provide objective clarity during this tumultuous time, instead contributing to a climate rife with confusion and misinformation.

    Soon enough, it was disclosed that Chief Afe Babalola was the plaintiff suing Farotimi for defamation. Even before this fact became public knowledge, Babalola—who was born on October 30, 1929—had weathered a storm of critique and scorn from individuals oblivious to or willfully ignorant of the legal ramifications surrounding the matter.

    His credentials are noteworthy; a degree in Economics from the University of London before qualifying as a lawyer in 1963 and starting his law firm in 1965. From establishing Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) to earning accolades as the Best Pro-Chancellor of Nigerian Universities during his tenure at the University of Lagos, Babalola embodies a legacy of legal expertise, philanthropy, and educational reform.

    On the other hand, Dele Farotimi, born on April 27, 1968, studied at Lagos State University (LASU), where he served as President of the Student Union during the 1994/1995 academic year, later being called to the Nigerian bar in 1999. A lawyer, seasoned public speaker, and human rights activist, Farotimi is a member of the Citizens’ Rally Against Oppression (RAMINBA).

    He is recognized for his unwavering commitment to social justice and systemic reform, criticizing the current political structure and the 1999 Constitution, which he argues perpetuates systemic corruption. His literary works, including “Do Not Die in Their War” and “Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System,” challenge citizens to confront and address corrupt practices.

    The allegations at the center of the Babalola-Farotimi controversy are serious. Reports indicate that Farotimi accused Babalola of corrupt activities related to allegedly manipulating Supreme Court decisions in a 2013 land dispute favoring Babalola’s client. This incited Babalola to sue for criminal defamation, culminating in a 16-count charge against Farotimi and his subsequent arrest.

    It is both amusing and lamentable how politicians, activists, and social media influencers, including certain editors, have disrespected Chief Afe Babalola with scathing criticisms and condemnations. The media onslaught, often fueled by misinformation and inflammatory rhetoric, starkly contradicts the principles of justice.

    As Afe Babalola approaches his 100th birthday, surrounded by great-grandchildren, he does not deserve the relentless vitriol and humiliation unleashed by social media trolls—individuals who sadly lack an appreciation for history, decorum, and the cultural values that dictate respect for elders.

    What is even more worrying is that some legal practitioners have joined the chorus of criticism against one of Nigeria’s most esteemed lawyers. It is perplexing that legal professionals often overlook fundamental legal principles and the consequences of their actions in the public sphere. Consider the recent statements from senior lawyers and executive members of the newly inaugurated Mazi Afam Osigwe-led Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

    Without a proper grasp of the Constitution, they hastily justified dubious manoeuvres to displace the Code of Conduct Tribunal Chairman, Danladi Umar, creating an atmosphere of divisiveness rather than justice. Equally perplexing, the NBA’s swift alignment with one party in the Babalola-Farotimi matter also lacked due diligence.

    The ongoing situation underscores the urgent need for legal practitioners, apart from politicians and social media influencers, to undergo training in public relations to navigate the complexities of public discourse better.

    Rather than resorting to unrestrained rhetoric or silence, public commentators—especially legal professionals—could greatly benefit from such training to enhance transparency and public trust. This initiative would improve reputations during crises and promote responsible visibility and thought leadership rather than cheap popularity contests.

    In the context of the Babalola-Farotimi case, the courts must stand as the ultimate authority, not social media. Nigeria is not a banana republic where digital mobs can dictate legal outcomes. By committing ourselves to the legal process, we can attain genuine justice and restore public confidence in our institutions.

    Yushau Shuaib is the author of ‘Award Winning Crisis Communication Strategies’

    Email: yashuaib@yashuaib.com

  • Afe Babalola petitions LPDC, demands Farotimi’s disbarment

    Afe Babalola petitions LPDC, demands Farotimi’s disbarment

    More trouble seems to be brewing  for lawyer and human rights activist, Dele Farotimi, following a petition to the  Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee seeking his disbarment.

    The Law Firm of Afe Babalola which filed the petition accused Farotimi of violating  certain provisions of the rules of professional conduct for lawyers.

    He is specifically accused of violating “the extant Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners Rules 1, 15(1), 15(2b), 15(3a), 15(3g), 15(3i), 15(3j), 26(1), 27(1), 30, 31(1), (2) and (4) of the Rules of Professional Conduct 2023 by bringing the entire judiciary in Nigeria into disrepute with his unfounded allegations of corruption against eminent justices of the supreme court of Nigeria, judges of high court of Lagos state, Aare Afe Babalola san, Olu Deramola, SAN, Ola Faro esq, and the entire chambers of Afe Babalola & co in his book titled ‘Nigeria and its criminal justice system.” 

    Farotimi is currently standing trial in Ado Ekiti for alleged criminal defamation

    Read Also: My husband brutalises me for denying him three rounds of intercourse, says Police Superintendent’s wife

    He was granted bail on Monday in the sum of N50 million and his case adjourned till 29 January 2025.

    Farotimi,according to Ola Faro, a partner in  the Afe Babalola Law firm, engaged in conduct that was unbecoming of a legal practitioner by making false accusations against the Supreme Court and the legal profession in his book Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.

    The Farotimi allegations,the petitioners,added were aimed at discrediting the Nigerian judiciary, including Justices of the Supreme Court, judges of the High Court of Lagos State and their law firm, and to subject them to ridicule within the legal community, thereby damaging their hard-earned reputation and financial standing.

    Faro said: “He  (Farotimi) joined his clients in committing misconduct and breach of law with reference to judicial officers by having unlawful access to a judicial officer. He gave service to his client which he knows is capable of causing a breach of law and disrespect and corrupting a judicial officer. He knowingly made a false statement of law and facts with respect to a case already decided by the Supreme Court.

    “He assisted his clients in a conduct that he knows to be illegal and fraudulent. Knowingly engaged in illegal conduct in the cause of his practice as a legal practitioner. Treated his fellow lawyers without respect, fairness, consideration and dignity, allowing ill feelings between opposing clients to influence his conduct and demeanour by distorting the facts of a case in the cause of his practice as a legal practitioner.

    “Failed to observe good faith and fairness in dealing with other lawyers in respect to a case already decided by the Supreme Court. Conducted himself in a manner that obstructed, delayed and adversely affected the administration of justice by taking steps to frustrate a decision of the Supreme Court for his personal benefit and the benefit of his client who lost at the Supreme Court.

    “Treated the court, particularly the Supreme Court without respect, dignity and honour by using uncouth, unprofessional, undignified and offensive language against the Supreme Court and the justices of the Supreme Court. Made defamatory statements against judicial officers rather than making a complaint to appropriate authorities.

    “Indicated that he discussed a pending case with a judge trying the case in the absence of an opposing lawyer. The contravention of these rules by the Respondent (Farotimi) prompted this petition to protect the dignity of the legal profession, the dignity of the court as the temple of justice and to uphold the standards of the legal profession.”

    A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja and the Oyo State High Court have already barred Farotimi from further publishing, selling, circulating, advertising, or distributing the hard or soft copies of the  book.

  • Afe Babalola: Oyo court restrains Farotimi from further publications, sales of book

    Afe Babalola: Oyo court restrains Farotimi from further publications, sales of book

    Justice M. A. Adegbola of an Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan on Wednesday granted an interim order restraining, human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi, his publishers, and their re-publishers from further publication and sale of the book titled: “Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System.”

    The order specifically named publishers and their re-publishers including Amazon Online Bookstore, Rovingheights Bookstore, Booksellers Bookstore, Jazzhole Lagos Bookstore, Glendora Bookshop, Quintessence Lagos Bookstore, and Patabah Books Limited.

    Read Also: Afe Babalola gives conditions for truce  with Farotimi

    Additionally, it stated that the publication, whether hard or soft copy must be stopped from further publication and sale through any mainstream or social media platform or any other means whatsoever,  pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction.

    It would be recalled that Mr Adebayo Adenipekun, SAN instituted suit Number: I/1442/2024: Adebayo Adenipekun versus Dele Farotimi & Anor at the Oyo State High Court on Monday, 9th December 2024.

    The Motion on Notice for interlocutory injunction was adjourned by the Court to 7th January 2025.

  • Defamation: Police oppose appearance of SAN for Dele Farotimi in Court

    Defamation: Police oppose appearance of SAN for Dele Farotimi in Court

    Police prosecuting counsel in a criminal defamation case against human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi has opposed the appearance of a Senior Nigerian advocate, Adeyinka Olumide-Fasuka, in the ongoing trial at the Magistrate Court in Ado-Ekiti.

    Farotimi is facing criminal defamation charges in Court, stemming from the allegations in his book, “Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System,” which accused Babalola of corrupting Supreme Court judges.

    Babalola had considered aspects of the 104-page book solely by the human rights activist as defaming him and instituted legal action against Farotimi.

    The police counsel, Mr. Samson Osobu at the resumed hearing on Tuesday informed the court that the SAN under the law could not take over the suit for the defendant at the Magistrate Court.

    He cited the recent judgment of a court of Appeal in Ibadan, Oyo State delivered on July 16, 2024, where the court ruled that SAN could not appear before the magistrate court.

    But in his submission, Olumide-Fasuka explained that the Ekiti state magistrate court law enacted by the House of Assembly allowed lawyers irrespective of status and title to appear in the court especially in criminal matters as it related to the suit against the defendant.

    Read Also: Alleged defamation: Court set to rule on case between Farotimi, Afe Babalola

    The Senior Advocate of Nigeria urged the court to reject the argument of the prosecuting lawyer, noting that the verdict he cited might not have put into consideration all magistrate court laws across the country.

    Responding to the matter, the Chief Magistrate, Abayomi Adeosun said that he would step down his ruling on the matter for him to read the judgement cited by the prosecutor.

    He, however, ordered the Senior Advocate of Nigeria to step down and allowed the most senior lawyer in the defendant’s team to continue the case, pending his ruling on the matter.

    A lawyer, Barrister Taiwo Adedeji stepped in and continued the case on behalf of the defendant.

    As of the time of filing the report, the court proceeding is still ongoing on other pending issues, especially regarding the defendants’ bail application.

    The court has however adjourned the case till December 20, 2024, to hear the bail application for the defendant and ordered the remand of Farotimi in prison custody.