“Prove Your Allegations Against Me and You’ll Be a Free Man,” Afe Babalola Challenges Farotimi

By Samaila Emmanuel Bzugu

Afe Babalola, founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, has challenged human rights activist Dele Farotimi to prove allegations made against him in a book. Farotimi claimed that Afe Babalola corrupted the judiciary system in Nigeria.

The allegations were made by Farotimi in his book, which accused Afe Babalola of corrupting the judiciary system in Nigeria. Afe Babalola has denied the allegations, stating that they are false and malicious.

Farotimi was arrested on Tuesday by the police over alleged criminal libel. He was arraigned on Wednesday at an Ekiti magistrate court, where he pleaded not guilty to 16 counts. The presiding magistrate, Abayomi Adeosun, remanded Farotimi in custody until December 10, 2024.

The NBA described the arrest as “unlawful” and an “affront to the independence of the legal profession

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned Farotimi’s arrest, calling for his immediate release and an investigation into the invasion of his law firm. The NBA described the arrest as “unlawful” and an “affront to the independence of the legal profession.”

Afe Babalola, represented by his legal team head Owoseni Ajayi, urged Nigerians to seek the truth before supporting Farotimi. Ajayi stated that Farotimi will be freed from prison if he can prove the allegations are true. Ajayi also emphasized that Afe Babalola is committed to seeking justice and clearing his name.

The case has sparked a national debate on the issue of free speech and the limits of criticism. Many have argued that the arrest of Farotimi is an attempt to silence him and stifle criticism of powerful individuals. Others have argued that the allegations made by Farotimi are serious and deserve to be investigated.

The case of Dele Farotimi vs Afe Babalola is a complex and contentious one. While Farotimi has made serious allegations against Afe Babalola, the latter has denied them and challenged Farotimi to prove them. The case has sparked a national debate on the issue of free speech and the limits of criticism.

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