Renowned legal luminary, Afe Babalola, SAN, is reportedly considering withdrawing legal charges against activist and lawyer, Dele Farotimi. This development follows a series of legal actions initiated by Babalola, including a ₦500 million defamation lawsuit and a petition to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC).
Babalola’s charges stemmed from alleged defamatory statements in Farotimi’s book, Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System. The senior advocate had sought not only damages but also the seizure of all copies of the book.
However, the LPDC recently dismissed Babalola’s petition to have Farotimi’s practicing license revoked, citing that the alleged offenses were linked to his role as an author and not as a legal practitioner. The committee advised that the matter should be addressed through regular judicial processes.
While no official confirmation has been made, reports suggest that Babalola’s team is reviewing their legal stance. Observers speculate that this decision could pave the way for an amicable resolution to the dispute.
Stay tuned for updates as more details emerge regarding this high-profile legal battle.
