Political activist, human rights advocate, and founder of SaharaReporters, Omoyele Sowore, has stated that the ongoing criminal libel case instituted by Chief Afe Babalola, SAN, against human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi will expose unprecedented revelations.
Sowore made this assertion during an interview, where he expressed confidence in Farotimi’s ability to withstand the legal onslaught.
Sowore remarked that the revelations that would emerge from the case would surpass the explosive content of Farotimi’s book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System. The book, which critiques systemic corruption and injustice in Nigeria’s judiciary, has garnered widespread attention for its bold insights.
“The Revelations Will Be Groundbreaking”
During the interview, Sowore commended Farotimi for his courage in standing up to Chief Babalola. He highlighted that the legal proceedings would bring to light more significant issues than those previously discussed in the book.
“A lot of people are doing a better job than he (Dele Farotimi) could have imagined. Revelations better than he has written in his book will come out,” Sowore said.
Calls for Protection and Justice
Sowore stressed the importance of ensuring Farotimi’s safety during the ongoing legal battle. He noted that powerful interests may attempt to stifle Farotimi’s voice, but maintaining his security would be key to allowing the truth to emerge.
“It is crucial that Mr. Farotimi remains alive throughout this process. Protecting him is not just about him as an individual but about the collective fight for justice,” Sowore emphasized.
Flaws in the Arrest Process
Sowore criticized the manner of Farotimi’s arrest, describing it as a flawed and illegal process. He argued that the procedural lapses in Farotimi’s arrest could weaken the case against him.
“The bulk of the work has already been done in the way and manner they carried out his arrest and persecution—because this is not a prosecution. It’s persecution. If I were him, I would ask people to send me plenty of books to read during this period,” Sowore quipped.
“Afe Babalola Miscalculated”
Sowore argued that Chief Afe Babalola, a respected Senior Advocate of Nigeria and founder of Afe Babalola University, miscalculated by targeting Farotimi. He explained that this case would not only pit Babalola against Farotimi but also against the Nigerian people.
“This is not the Federal Republic of Nigeria vs. Dele Farotimi. It is Afe Babalola vs. the Nigerian people. This case will show that the real defendant is not just Dele Farotimi but the entrenched systems of impunity that Nigerians are fighting to dismantle,” Sowore asserted.
Confidence in Farotimi’s Victory
Sowore expressed unwavering confidence that Farotimi would triumph in the case, thanks to his resilience and the strength of public support. He believes that the case will serve as a referendum on Nigeria’s justice system and a wake-up call to reform its processes.
“The case will prove to be a turning point. It will highlight not just the flaws in our legal system but also the resilience of Nigerians in standing against intimidation,” Sowore concluded.
Background
The criminal libel case stems from allegations made by Dele Farotimi regarding systemic corruption in Nigeria’s judiciary and other public institutions. Farotimi, a lawyer and activist, has been an outspoken critic of entrenched interests within the country’s legal and political systems.
The case has garnered widespread attention, with many seeing it as a litmus test for the freedom of expression in Nigeria. As the legal battle unfolds, all eyes remain on how the courts will handle the case and whether it will inspire broader reforms in Nigeria’s judiciary.
This case underscores the enduring struggle for justice and accountability in Nigeria, with activists like Omoyele Sowore and Dele Farotimi at the forefront of the fight for systemic change.
