The legal representatives of Senior Advocate of Nigeria Afe Babalola have stated that human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi will be released once he substantiates the defamatory allegations made against the renowned SAN.
Speaking during a press briefing in Ado-Ekiti on Friday, lawyers Owoseni Ajayi, Olakanmi Falade, and Lawrence Fasanmi clarified the ongoing legal dispute. They explained that Farotimi’s claims, made in his book Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System, prompted Babalola to petition the police for an investigation into the alleged defamation.
The legal team emphasized that the court process initiated by law enforcement is a standard legal procedure aimed at addressing the accusations. They also sought to address what they described as misleading narratives surrounding the case.
Ajayi urged the public to seek factual clarity before forming opinions. “All facts are verifiable. I encourage Nigerians to ascertain the truth before choosing sides,” he stated.
He questioned whether Afe Babalola’s global stature precludes him from seeking justice. “Is it wrong for Aare Afe Babalola to seek justice for these false utterances against him? Should justice only favor Mr. Dele Farotimi because Aare Afe Babalola is a global icon?”
The lawyers reiterated that Farotimi’s release hinges on providing evidence to substantiate the claims in his book. “Once Mr. Dele Farotimi can show proof that his assertions in the book are true, then he will be free,” Ajayi affirmed.
While acknowledging the right to free speech, the team underscored the importance of responsibility. “The law allows free speech but not one that is calculated to injure the good reputation of another,” they concluded.
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