Afe Babalola, a respected senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), has decided to withdraw his defamation suit against prominent human rights advocate Dele Farotimi.
In December, Farotimi was arrested] in Lagos and subsequently transported to Ekiti. He faced charges of “criminal defamation” related to his book titled *Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System*. As a result, the Ekiti State Magistrate Court in Ado-Ekiti ordered him to be remanded for 21 days. Farotimi maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings, asserting that he had “never lied against anyone.” Eventually, he regained his freedom on December 24 after the court granted him bail in the amount of N30 million.
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THE NATION DIGEST reports that Babalola announced his decision to withdraw the case. He addressed the audience at Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) after the intervention of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi. Other prominent traditional rulers were also involved during a late-night meeting. He mentioned that he had received multiple letters and phone calls regarding this matter from distinguished Nigerians, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Bishop Matthew Kukah of the Sokoto Diocese.
Babalola explained that he agreed to the traditional rulers’ requests because he sees no benefit in Farotimi’s imprisonment. The seasoned advocate assured the chiefs that he would instruct his lawyers to withdraw the case.
The Ooni of Ife praised Babalola for his unwavering integrity and encouraged him to remain committed to his virtues.
Farotimi Off the Hook as Afe Babalola Plans to Withdraw Defamation Suit
