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Farotimi will be free if he can prove allegations – Afe Babalola’s lawyers

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Lawyers to Afe Babalola, SAN, founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, have said that embattled human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi, will not be freed until he can prove his allegations against the elder statesman.

The senior advocate, represented by his lawyers, Owoseni Ajayi, Olakanmi Falade and Lawrence Fasanmi, both former chairmen of the Nigerian Bar Association, Ado Ekiti Branch, spoke on Friday at a press conference in the Ekiti State capital city.

 

Babalola’s lawyers, who said that he petitioned the police to investigate the defamatory allegations made by Farotimi in the book titled, ‘Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System,’ said charging the activist to court by the law enforcement agency was for the law to take its due cause on the matter.

 

The lawyers added that the human rights lawyer was out to tarnish Babalola’s reputation, which he had built following many years of hard work and diligent toil.

It would be recalled that the police in Ekiti State had, following a petition written by Babalola, arrested Farotimi in Lagos on Tuesday and arraigned him before an Ekiti State Magistrates Court in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday over allegations bordering on defaming the elder statesman.

 

While the police prayed the court to remand the defendant (Farotimi) to a correctional facility, Farotimi’s lawyer pleaded for bail for his client, but the Chief Magistrate, Abayomi Adeosun, ordered him remanded as he adjourned the matter till December 10, 2024.

 

Babalola’s lead lawyer and a former Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General in Ekiti State, Owoseni Ajayi, said that the press conference was to correct the various misleading publications about the ongoing matter between the Nigeria Police and Farotimi over the issue of defaming Babalola.

See also  Dele Farotimi’s book enters Amazon bestseller list — 48 hours after his arrest

 

He said, “All facts are verifiable. I urge Nigerians to verify and find out what the truth is first before picking a side.

 

“Aare Afe Babalola, in his petition, urged the police to use your good office to invite Mr Dele Farotimi to show proof of the truthfulness of his publication, failing of which he should be prosecuted for criminal defamation in accordance with the requirement of the extant laws of Nigeria.

 

“Confiscate all defamatory publications until the investigations are completed” and as well “stop Mr Dele Farotimi by himself and/or his agents from further publishing any defamatory contents to attack my hard-earned reputation, the reputation of my law firm and that of my lawyers and of the Nigerian judiciary”.

 

Ajayi queried, “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 law allows free speech, but not one that is calculated to injure the good reputation of another”.

 

He said that the police had done the right thing and needed to be commended for the manner in which the arrest was made and arraignment within 24 hours, adding, “The mode of arraignment was in order.

 

“Also, the book being distributed and accessed in Ekiti, so long as defamation is a crime in Ekiti, this has established criminal liability within Ekiti, placing it under the investigatory jurisdiction of the police and the jurisdiction of the Ekiti State High court, given the cross-state nature of the alleged crime.

 

“For the uninformed saying the court denied him bail, there was nothing like that. There is nothing special in the case of Dele Farotimi in that the court cannot ask his lawyers to make their bail application formal.

See also  Dele Farotimi sent back to prison as court adjourns bail ruling to December 20

 

“The statements made by Farotimi in the book suggest a deliberate attempt by Farotimi to malign the reputation of Aare Afe Babalola and the esteemed law firm of Afe Babalola and Co.

 

“The accusations made are baseless, offensive and not only lacking in truth but also designed to cause irreparable harm to the standing and legacy of one of Nigeria’s foremost legal minds. Those defamatory remarks made in the book cannot be remedied by the award of damages”.

 

Ajayi said that the assertions by Farotimi in the book “runs foul of Section 59 of the Criminal Code Act, which talks about publication of false news with intent to cause fear and alarm in the public.

 

“Subsection (1) states that ‘any person who publishes or reproduces any statement, rumour or report which is likely to cause fear and alarm to the public or to disturb the public peace, knowing or having reason to believe that statement, rumour or report to be false, shall be guilty of a misdemeanour and liable, on conviction, to imprisonment for three years’.

 

“Those pushing Farotimi are not his friends. By the time they lead him to the dungeon, he would realize they were deceiving him. Let me advise his family members to apologise to Aare. Aare Babalola is a builder, not interested in destroying Farotimi”.

 

Meanwhile, the police in Ekiti state have announced the ban on illegal gatherings and protests.

 

Recall that a group, Take it Back Movement, had in leaflets circulated over Farotimi’s remand had called for a nationwide/global campaign against the Nigerian Judiciary in Lagos, Abuja, Ado Ekiti and London on December 10.

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However, the police, in a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Ekiti State Command, Sunday Abutu, made available on Thursday night, assured residents of the state of adequate security during and after the Ember months period while seeking more support, collaboration and obedience to law and order.

 

Abutu stated, “In view of this, the Command, in order to sustain the peaceful atmosphere and ensure the safety of lives and property of all and sundry, states that any form of unlawful gathering, demonstration or protest is unacceptable.

 

“An intelligence report has it that some unscrupulous individuals have planned to hide under this protest to hijack it, unleash mayhem, and create apprehension in the state.

 

“Parents and guardians are therefore implored to advise their wards to shun any act that is inimical to the peace and security of the state, as anyone who runs foul of this directive will be dealt with in accordance with the law.

 

“The Command has also placed a ban on the sales and use of fireworks, knockouts and firecrackers in the State, as these are capable of causing security threats, distractions, unnecessary apprehension and health-related issues. The use of the various fireworks at times creates panic and confusion as it could be difficult to differentiate their sounds from the real gunshot sound.

 

“The Command, therefore, enjoins all residents to be security conscious and to promptly report any untoward incident or observation that may be inimical to the peace and security of Ekiti State to the nearest Police Station or Call 08062335577,” the PPRO stated.

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Relief as suspected Ebola cases in Adamawa tested negative

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The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has said that there are currently no laboratory-confirmed cases of Ebola  in Adamawa.

The NCDC had on Saturday said that there were two suspected cases of Ebola in the north-east state, adding that the individuals had been isolated while contact identification was ongoing.

But in a statement on Sunday, the director-general of NCDC, Jide Idris,
said samples collected from the two individuals, who had symptoms suggestive of Ebola, tested negative after two rounds of testing.

“The report was received by the Adamawa State Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) in the early hours of 30 October 2026, following the identification of two individuals presenting with symptoms suggestive of Ebola, requiring further investigation,” the statement reads.

“Hence the alert that was released early this evening. The individuals have been isolated, and appropriate public health measures have been initiated.

“Samples were collected for laboratory testing to establish the cause of the illness. Fortunately, the samples turned out negative for EBV after two rounds of testing.”

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Idris commended the Adamawa health commissioner and his team for their “proactive approach”, adding that the NCDC was working closely with the state government to investigate the report of suspected Ebola cases.

“Currently, there is no laboratory-confirmed Ebola case in Adamawa state,” he said.

“The index case previously confirmed in the Federal Capital Territory remains the only confirmed case reported in Nigeria to date.”

He urged the public to remain calm and avoid sharing unverified information or speculating about the situation.

“The public is encouraged to obtain information from official government and public health communication channels,” he said.

Idris described Ebola as a serious infectious disease that requires prompt identification, appropriate clinical management and effective infection prevention and control measures.

“Anyone experiencing symptoms such as fever, severe weakness, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea or unexplained bleeding, particularly following relevant exposure, should seek immediate medical attention and inform healthcare workers of any relevant travel or contact history,” he said.

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“Individuals should avoid self-medication and follow the advice of healthcare professionals.”

Nigeriaconfirmed its first Ebola case in more than a decade on October 20, after a 42-year-old Swiss woman tested positive for the Bundibugyo strain in Abuja.

The patient, who had travelled from Uganda to Nigeria, was subsequently isolated and treated by Nigerian health workers.

On Monday, the federal governmentevacuated the patient to Switzerland aboard a medical plane.

Her husband, who was identified as a close contact, was also evacuated to Switzerland.

Ali Pate, coordinating minister of health and social welfare, said the patient was clinically much improved, stable, conscious and communicating, with her laboratory test results approaching baseline levels.

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Good morning! Nigerian Newspapers Headlines: 2027: S’West ADC leaders revolt against Atiku

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1. Many leaders of the African Democratic Congress in the South-West have expressed dissatisfaction with what they described as the marginalisation of the party’s structure in the region by the ADC presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The ADC leaders, including some state chairmen and governorship candidates, alleged that Atiku had been conducting his political activities in the region through his friends and allies, while leaving the party structure sidelined as presidential campaign activities prepared to gather momentum.

2. A United States federal court has rejected an attempt to obtain discovery from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and DCI Group in an ongoing Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit involving the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). 

3. The Zamfara State Commissioner of Police, CP Muhammad Bello, has confirmed the “rescue of three of the six Islamic clerics kidnapped on September 12 while travelling to Talata Mafara, Zamfara State.” Bello gave the confirmation in an interview with select reporters in Gusau. He said the rescue followed a multi-agency collaboration and seamless synergy between the Office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA, the Department of State Services, DSS, and police operatives.

See also  Dele Farotimi’s book enters Amazon bestseller list — 48 hours after his arrest

4. The Grand Patron of the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, have set a target of at least 1.5 million votes for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election. According to a statement, the target was announced on Saturday in Osogbo during the inauguration of the movement’s state and local government structures.

5. Nigerians lose no less than N75bn annually to visa application expenses across foreign missions, with rejected Schengen visa applications alone accounting for an estimated €11.5m, equivalent to about N19bn in 2025.
This is according to a visa-cost analysis report obtained by Sunday PUNCH from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

6. With one accord, the governors of Enugu, Imo, Ebonyi, and Anambra States yesterday urged the people of the Southeast to avoid political distractions, and vote massively for President Bola Tinubu in next year’s presidential election. Governors Peter Mbah, Hope Uzodimma, Francis Nwifuru and Charles Soludo, said it was necessary for the zone to support Tinubu’s re-election bid to enable him consolidate the gains of his administration’s economic reforms

See also  Street yelling, media tactics won’t stop prosecution of Dele Farotimi, says Afe Babalola

7. Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, has said Nigeria’s security challenges predate the administration of President Bola Tinubu, noting that terrorism, insurgency and banditry had been entrenched in the country before 2023 when Tinubu assumed office. He said the country’s security problems were rooted in years of porous borders, illegal arms proliferation, youth unemployment and the spread of extremist ideologies.

8. Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Mr Nyesom Wike has directed supporters of President Bola Tinubu to deliver their polling unit in the forthcoming 2027 general elections. Addressing the supporters, Wike framed the upcoming general elections as a critical opportunity for residents of the nation’s capital to rectify past electoral missteps and unite under a strategic development banner.

9. The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has removed the name of the Kano State governorship candidate of the National Democratic Congress, NDC, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, from its updated list of candidates for the 2027 general elections. A check on the commission’s website shows that the names of Gwarzo and his deputy were conspicuously missing from the updated list.

See also  Afe Babalola’s law firm Partner, Ogunwumiju files N500m defamation suit against Farotimi

10. Four young men have been arrested by the Bauchi State Police Command for allegedly abducting and gang-raping a 12-year-old girl in Sakwa District, Zaki Local Government Area of the state. The suspects were arrested following a complaint by the victim’s 50-year-old father, who reported the incident at the Sakwa Divisional Police Headquarters on Thursday.

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Wale Tinubu, Rabiu, others Join President Tinubu in Makkah for Umrah

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The Group Chief Executive Oando Plc, Jubril Adewale Tinubu; Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, and several other Nigerian business mogul have joined President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, for the performance of Umrah, the lesser Islamic pilgrimage.

The presence of the prominent Nigerian business leaders alongside the President in the holy city has drawn attention, bringing together three influential figures from Nigeria’s political and business communities in a moment of religious observance.

Tinubu and Rabiu, both prominent names in Nigeria’s corporate landscape, were seen alongside the President dressed in the traditional white Ihram garments worn by Muslim pilgrims performing Umrah.

Umrah, unlike the obligatory Hajj pilgrimage, can be undertaken at any time of the year. It involves a series of religious rites in Makkah and holds profound spiritual significance for Muslims across the world.

For the Nigerian business community, the appearance of the corporate leaders alongside the President also offers a glimpse into the intersection of faith, business and public life, particularly when influential figures come together outside the usual settings of boardrooms, corporate engagements and official functions.

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The development comes as President Tinubu undertook the pilgrimage to seek divine guidance and offer prayers for Nigeria’s peace, unity, stability and progress.

According to the Presidency, the President performed the Umrah rites early Friday, October 30, at the Grand Mosque, Masjid al-Haram, where he circumambulated the Holy Ka’abah.

Speaking after completing the spiritual exercise, Tinubu described the pilgrimage as significant, linking it to his commitment to Nigeria and its people. He also expressed gratitude to Allah for the opportunity to pray for the country.

The President’s prayers reportedly centre on national harmony, security, economic prosperity and the need for Nigerians to live together peacefully.

Rabiu also used the occasion to express his hopes for the country, describing it as an honour to accompany the President on the spiritual journey. He prayed for lasting peace, unity and prosperity in Nigeria.

For Tinubu, whose Oando Group occupies a prominent position in Nigeria’s energy industry, the journey offered a departure from the familiar world of corporate leadership and business engagements. Rabiu, similarly, is a major player in the country’s industrial sector, with interests spanning manufacturing, cement and food production.

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Their appearance in Makkah alongside the President underscores the presence of leading figures from Nigeria’s private sector at an important spiritual moment for the country’s leader.

Umrah, often described as the lesser pilgrimage, is a significant act of worship in Islam. Unlike Hajj, which takes place during a specific period in the Islamic calendar, Umrah can be performed throughout the year.

President Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria next week after completing his spiritual engagements in Saudi Arabia.

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