Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Afe Babalola, has outlined conditions for releasing human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi.
According to Babalola’s legal team, Farotimi will be released only after proving his defamatory allegations against the SAN.
During a press briefing held in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, on Friday, lawyers Owoseni Ajayi, Olakanmi Falade, and Lawrence Fasanmi explained the matter.
They disclosed that Babalola had petitioned the police to investigate claims made by Farotimi in his book, Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System. They stated that the charges against Farotimi, filed by law enforcement, were meant to allow the legal process to run its course.
Ajayi clarified the purpose of the press conference, emphasizing the need to address what he described as misleading reports surrounding the case involving Farotimi and the police.
He remarked, “All facts are verifiable. I urge Nigerians to verify and find out what the truth is first before picking a side.
“Is it wrong for Aare Afe Babalola to seek justice for these false utterances against him? Should justice only be available to Mr Dele Farotimi because Aare Afe Babalola is a global icon?
“Once Mr Dele Farotimi can show proof that his assertions in the book are true, then he will be free.”
The lawyers reiterated that freedom of speech is protected but argued that it does not extend to statements made with the intent to harm another’s reputation.
“The law allows free speech, but not one that is calculated to injure the good reputation of another,” Ajayi stated.
Babalola’s team urged the public to seek the truth while respecting the principles of justice and fairness.
