Afenifere Wants Rule Of Law Applied In Farotimi’s Defamation Trial

Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and socio-political organization, Afenifere, has called on Nigerians to allow the judicial system to fairly handle the criminal defamation charges filed against lawyer Dele Farotimi by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

The charges stem from a complaint made to the Ekiti Police Command by Chief Afe Babalola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, who claims that the content of Farotimi’s 104-page book, ‘Nigeria and its Criminal Justice’, has defamed him.

Farotimi was arrested in Lagos last week and taken to Ekiti following the complaint by Babalola. The senior lawyer, who lives in Ado Ekiti, argues that the book, which has gained significant global attention, is available in Ekiti State and has harmed his reputation.

Farotimi, a well-known Nigerian activist, was brought before a Magistrate Court in Ado Ekiti on Monday. Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun denied his bail request and ordered his detention in prison until December 10.

In response to the situation, Afenifere, through its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi, emphasized the importance of the legal system in resolving such disputes. “The legal system provides an opportunity for parties in a dispute to prove their cases,” Ajayi stated.

Afenifere also called for a fair and impartial judicial process that protects the interests of both parties and the public. Ajayi further stated, “The court is uniquely positioned to ascertain how these interests can be protected and to guarantee that the prosecution is carried out in a manner that more effectively upholds the principles of justice.”

The organization also urged all parties involved to avoid actions or statements that might disturb public order and reminded the government to ensure strict adherence to the rule of law. Afenifere concluded by reaffirming that the proper place for resolving such issues is the court, as provided by Nigeria’s constitution. “We enjoin all parties to conduct themselves in total submission to and respect for the rule of law,” Ajayi added.

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