Afe Babalola’s law firm has submitted a formal petition to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC), requesting the disbarment of detained activist and lawyer Dele Farotimi.
The petition, spanning 90 pages and dated December 6, 2024, was signed by Ola Faro, a partner at Afe Babalola & Co., who stated that he filed it in his personal capacity as well as on behalf of the firm.
The LPDC, established under the Legal Practitioners Act, is responsible for maintaining ethical standards within the legal profession. The petition accuses Farotimi of misconduct, alleging defamatory remarks against the judiciary and violations of professional ethics.
Faro and the law firm claim that Farotimi’s book, Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System, made defamatory allegations against the firm and its founder, Afe Babalola. They assert that the publication was intended to discredit the Nigerian judiciary, judges, and legal profession.
The petition outlines specific accusations, including:
Making false accusations against the Supreme Court and the legal profession.
Participating in alleged illegal conduct, including bribery and improper access to judicial officers.
Assisting clients in illegal activities and engaging in fraudulent practices.
Disrespecting fellow lawyers and allowing personal biases to influence his professional conduct.
Using unprofessional and offensive language to describe the Supreme Court and its justices.
Defaming judicial officers instead of reporting concerns to appropriate authorities.
Discussing a pending case with a judge outside the presence of opposing counsel.
The firm also alleges that Farotimi’s actions have damaged their reputation and financial credibility. The petition accuses him of obstructing justice, distorting facts, and undermining the integrity of the judiciary through his comments and publications.
The LPDC will now review the petition and determine whether disciplinary action, including disbarment, is warranted.
