Laolu Akande, a former presidential spokesperson, has voiced his concerns about the reputation of legal luminary Aare Afe Babalola in the defamation case against lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily breakfast program on Thursday, Akande remarked, “I am really concerned for Afe’s reputation, indeed, because the whole world is watching, and what the police are doing in the name of Afe Babalola.”
While acknowledging Babalola’s right to seek redress over the alleged defamation, Akande expressed disapproval of how the matter has been handled.
He noted that it would have been more appropriate for someone of Babalola’s stature to address the issue through civil means rather than involving the police.
Akande stated, “What I think is inelegant is that someone like Chief Afe Babalola, with all his respect and regard, would rather pursue this matter as a civil case.”
He further criticized Babalola for allegedly instigating the police to harass Farotimi, as evidenced in recent videos.
The case centers on a book published by Farotimi titled Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System, in which he accused Babalola of corruption and influence over judicial decisions in the Supreme Court.
Earlier this week, the police arrested Farotimi at his Lagos office and transported him to Ekiti State for prosecution.
The police have charged Farotimi with sixteen counts, to which he pleaded not guilty.
The presiding magistrate, Abayomi Adeosun, remanded Farotimi in prison and adjourned the case until December 10, 2024.
