Farotimi to stay in custody until allegations are proven – Afe Babalola’s lawyers

 

The legal team of Afe Babalola, SAN, founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, have emphasized that human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi will remain in custody until he can substantiate his claims against the elder statesman

Represented by Owoseni Ajayi, Olakanmi Falade, and Lawrence Fasanmi—former chairmen of the Nigerian Bar Association in Ado Ekiti, Babalola’s lawyers made the statement during a press conference in Ado Ekiti today.

They explained that Babalola had filed a police petition seeking an investigation into Farotimi’s defamatory allegations in his book Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System. They clarified that the police’s decision to charge Farotimi was in accordance with the law.The lawyers accused Farotimi of attempting to tarnish Babalola’s hard-earned reputation and legacy.

Farotimi had been arrested in Lagos on Tuesday and subsequently arraigned before an Ekiti State Magistrates Court on Wednesday on charges of defamation.

While his lawyer sought bail, Chief Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun ordered Farotimi to be remanded until December 10, 2024.

Owoseni Ajayi, Babalola’s lead lawyer and former Commissioner for Justice in Ekiti State, addressed misleading reports about the case. He urged Nigerians to verify the facts before forming opinions and stressed that Babalola’s petition called for Farotimi to prove the truthfulness of his allegations, or face prosecution for criminal defamation.

Ajayi further questioned whether it was wrong for Babalola to seek justice for the false statements made against him, emphasizing that Farotimi would be free if he could substantiate his claims.

Ajayi advised Farotimi’s supporters to reconsider their actions, warning that they were deceiving him. He urged Farotimi’s family to apologize to Babalola, as the elder statesman was a builder, not someone seeking to destroy Farotimi.