Former presidential spokesman Laolu Akande has raised concerns about the defamation case filed by legal icon Aare Afe Babalola against lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Akande expressed his worry for Babalola’s reputation, noting that the global attention surrounding the case has brought the legal giant’s actions under scrutiny.
“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,” Akande said.
While acknowledging that Babalola has the right to seek redress over the alleged defamation, Akande suggested that the nonagenarian should have pursued the matter through civil means rather than involving the police.
He stated that, given Babalola’s position in Nigeria’s legal community, it was “inelegant” to instigate a police investigation in the manner that has been publicly seen.
The case was triggered by Farotimi’s book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System, in which he accused Babalola of corrupting the judiciary and influencing the Supreme Court.
Farotimi has pleaded not guilty to the charges, and the court has adjourned the matter until December 10, 2024.