The pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and socio-political organization, Afenifere, has called on Nigerians to let the courts handle the criminal defamation case involving legal practitioner Dele Farotimi and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
The case stems from a complaint filed by Chief Afe Babalola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and elder statesman, who alleges that Farotimi’s 104-page book, Nigeria and its Criminal Justice, contains defamatory content. Babalola, who resides in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, claims the book, which has gained widespread attention, damaged his reputation.
Following the complaint, Farotimi, based in Lagos, was arrested and transferred to Ekiti State, where he was arraigned on Monday before a Magistrate Court in Ado Ekiti. The presiding judge, Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun, denied Farotimi bail and remanded him in custody until December 10.
The case has sparked widespread reactions, with plans for large protests in Lagos, Abuja, and Ekiti State on December 10, demanding Farotimi’s release.
In a statement, Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi, emphasized the importance of allowing the legal process to unfold. He noted, “The legal system provides an opportunity for parties in a dispute to prove their cases.” Ajayi further stated that the courts are best equipped to ensure justice is fairly and transparently dispensed.
Afenifere called for calm, urging all parties to avoid actions or statements that could incite unrest. The group also appealed to the government to uphold the rule of law and ensure the proceedings align with constitutional provisions.
“The court of law, as established by the Nigerian constitution, is the appropriate forum to determine whose rights have been breached,” Ajayi said. “We urge all parties to conduct themselves with total respect for and submission to the rule of law.”
Afenifere stressed the need to protect the interests of all parties involved while ensuring justice serves the public interest.
