Afe Babalola’s law firm has requested that the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) disbar Dele Farotimi, a human rights advocate, citing allegations of unethical behavior.
In a 90-page petition dated December 6, 2024, signed by Ola Faro, a partner in the firm, Babalola’s legal team accused Farotimi of conduct unbecoming of a legal practitioner. The LPDC, established under the Legal Practitioners Act, is tasked with maintaining ethical standards within the legal profession.
Faro clarified that the petition was written in his personal capacity and on behalf of Afe Babalola & Co. The petition referenced Farotimi’s book titled Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System, where the lawyer was mentioned. Babalola, a senior advocate of Nigeria, and other members of his firm accused Farotimi of “criminally” defaming them in the book.
According to the petition, Farotimi’s actions included making false claims against the Nigerian judiciary, discrediting both the Supreme Court and judges. The law firm further claimed that the book tarnished the reputation and financial standing of the firm. The petition also accused Farotimi of participating in conduct that violated legal ethics, including bribing judicial officers and obtaining unlawful access to them.
The firm’s petition detailed several allegations, including that Farotimi helped his clients commit misconduct by engaging in illegal actions with judicial officers. It stated that Farotimi knowingly made false statements about a case decided by the Supreme Court and assisted clients in fraudulent activities. The firm accused him of obstructing justice, undermining the Supreme Court’s decision for personal gain and his client’s benefit.
Furthermore, the petition claimed that Farotimi treated fellow lawyers with disrespect, allowing personal animosity between clients to influence his professional conduct. His actions were said to have negatively affected the administration of justice by frustrating court decisions and impeding the legal process. The law firm also accused Farotimi of using unprofessional language against the justices of the Supreme Court, making defamatory remarks about judicial officers instead of filing complaints with the appropriate authorities.
The petition also highlighted Farotimi’s conduct in discussing a pending case with a judge without the presence of the opposing lawyer.
Farotimi’s legal troubles escalated on December 3, when he was arrested by police officers from the Ekiti command, charged with defamation and cyberbullying. He is currently facing charges in two different courts related to the alleged defamation of Babalola.
On December 8, a federal high court in Ekiti granted Farotimi bail of N50 million with one surety, after a 12-count cybercrime charge was filed against him by the inspector-general of police. However, a magistrate court in Ekiti postponed ruling on his bail application until December 20. Farotimi is currently remanded in an Ekiti prison.
