Afenifere Urges Fair Trial in Defamation Case Involving Activist and Senior Advocate

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has charged Nigerian activist and lawyer Dele Farotimi with criminal defamation, prompting mixed reactions from various quarters. The pan-Yoruba socio-political group Afenifere has called for calm and urged Nigerians to allow the judiciary to resolve the matter fairly.

The case stems from a complaint filed by elder statesman and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Afe Babalola, who alleged that Farotimi’s book, "Nigeria and its Criminal Justice," contains defamatory content. According to the petitioner, the book has been widely distributed, including in Ekiti State, where he resides, allegedly damaging his reputation.

Farotimi, who resides in Lagos, was arrested and transferred to Ekiti, where he was arraigned before an Ado Ekiti magistrate court on Monday. The presiding judge, Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun, denied bail and ordered Farotimi’s remand in jail until December 10.

In response to the legal proceedings, Afenifere released a statement emphasizing the importance of upholding the rule of law. Comrade Jare Ajayi, Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, stated:

“The legal system provides an opportunity for parties in a dispute to prove their cases. Justice must be dispensed fairly, and the interests of both parties and the public must be protected. The court is in the best position to ensure these interests are upheld and to conduct the prosecution in a manner that serves justice.”

Afenifere also called on the government to ensure complete adherence to the rule of law and urged all parties to avoid actions or statements that might disturb public peace.

The group further encouraged all stakeholders to respect judicial processes and to conduct themselves with decorum: “We enjoin all parties to conduct themselves in total submission to and respect for the rule of law,” Ajayi added.

As protests are reportedly being planned in Lagos, Abuja, and Ekiti State for December 10, Afenifere stressed the importance of peaceful expression and lawful conduct during demonstrations.