The founder of Afe Babalola University, Afe Babalola, has demanded that activist lawyer Dele Farotimi provide proof to substantiate allegations made against him in Farotimi’s recent book, Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System.
Babalola, a senior advocate of Nigeria, insists that the claims made in the book are defamatory and aimed at tarnishing his hard-earned reputation.
Speaking at a press conference in Ado Ekiti on Friday, Babalola, represented by his legal team, clarified that he had petitioned the police to investigate Farotimi’s allegations. He stressed that the arrest and subsequent court proceedings were necessary to ensure justice was served.
Farotimi was arrested in Lagos on Tuesday and arraigned before an Ekiti State Magistrates Court on Wednesday.
He faces charges related to defamation after Babalola accused him of publishing false and damaging information.
The police requested that Farotimi be remanded in custody, but his lawyer sought bail. Chief Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun adjourned the case until December 10, 2024, ordering Farotimi to remain in detention.
Babalola’s lead attorney, Owoseni Ajayi, a former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Ekiti State, expressed concern over the misleading reports surrounding the case.
He called for the public to verify the facts before forming conclusions.
Ajayi said that Babalola’s petition had urged the police to investigate Farotimi’s claims and take appropriate legal action if the allegations were found to be false.
The senior lawyer questioned whether it was wrong for Babalola, a prominent figure, to seek legal redress over the accusations.
He reiterated that the law allows for free speech, but not speech that harms another’s reputation. “Once Mr. Dele Farotimi can prove the truth of his statements, he will be free. Until then, justice must be served,” Ajayi stated.
In a new twist to the case, the police have filed additional charges against Farotimi in relation to cybercrime. The charges stem from an online interview he gave on the ‘Mic On Podcast’ in which he accused Babalola of corrupting the judiciary.
The police allege that Farotimi knowingly spread false information to provoke unrest, violating the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015.
The new charges could complicate Farotimi’s legal battles as the case continues to unfold.
