Dele Farotimi Denies Allegations Of Lying Against Afe Babalola

Human rights lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi has firmly denied making false statements against anyone, particularly in relation to allegations concerning Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Afe Babalola. Farotimi’s assertions are detailed in his book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System, which critiques systemic issues within Nigeria’s legal framework.

After being detained for 17 days over defamation charges linked to his book, Farotimi was granted bail by an Ekiti State Magistrate Court. The court set bail at ₦30 million and required three sureties with landed property in Ekiti State. Additionally, Farotimi was ordered to surrender his international passport and refrain from granting media interviews upon release.

Upon his release, Farotimi addressed journalists, reiterating his commitment to truth in his activism. He stated, “In my war against the evil empire that we all live in, I have never lied against anyone. If I don’t know, I will say I don’t know.” He emphasized that his critiques are based on verifiable facts and are aimed at promoting justice and systemic reform in Nigeria.

The defamation charges stem from claims made in Farotimi’s book, which reportedly critiques Afe Babalola’s role within Nigeria’s criminal justice system. Babalola, a prominent lawyer and founder of Afe Babalola University, has denied the allegations and initiated legal action against Farotimi.

Farotimi’s detention and subsequent release have sparked discussions about freedom of expression and the challenges faced by activists in Nigeria. Supporters have organized protests and social media campaigns advocating for his release, highlighting concerns over the suppression of dissenting voices in the country.

As the legal proceedings continue, Farotimi remains steadfast in his commitment to addressing systemic issues within Nigeria’s criminal justice system, maintaining that his critiques are grounded in truth and aimed at fostering meaningful reform.

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