[JUST IN] Afenifere Urges Nigerians to let the courts decide on the Afe Babalola and Dele Farotimi’s case, amid Planned Protests

Afenifere, a socio-cultural and socio-political organization for the Yoruba people of Nigeria, has called on Nigerians to allow the courts to do justice in determining the criminal defamation charges brought against a legal practitioner (Dele Farotimi) by the Nigeria Police Force, NPF.

The charges followed the complaint lodged at the Ekiti Police Command by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and elder statesman, Chief Afe Babalola, alleging that the content of the 104-page book, ‘Nigeria and its Criminal Justice’ authored by Farotimi defamed him.

The complainant is of the view that the book which recently went viral can be read anywhere in the world, including Ekiti State where he resides, therefore, damaging his reputation.

Farotimi, a popular Nigerian activist was on Wednesday, arraigned before a Magistrate Court in Ado Ekiti where he pleaded not guilty to the 16 charges brought against him.

The presiding judge, Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun denied his bail application and remanded him in prison custody until December 10.

A cross section of Nigerians have concluded plans to stage a mega protest in Lagos State, the Federal Capital Territory and Ekiti State on December 10 to demand for his immediate release.

However, according to the National Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, Comrade Jare Ajayi, “the legal system provides an opportunity for parties in a dispute to prove their cases.”

Afenifere was of the strong opinion that the interests of both parties and the general public “must be protected and justice must be dispensed fairly.”

Ajayi, in a statement, added that “the court is in the best position to determine how these interests are protected, and to ensure that the prosecution is conducted in a manner that better serves the interest of justice.”

Afenifere enjoined all parties to avoid statements and actions that may lead to a breach of peace, while calling on the government to ensure a total observance of the rule of law.

Afenifere was of the view that the appropriate forum to determine whose rights had been breached and how was the court of law as established by the Nigerian constitution.

The spokesman further added; “We enjoin all parties to conduct themselves in total submission to and respect for the rule of law.”