Renowned Nigerian law firm, Afe Babalola & Co, has petitioned the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) to disbar human rights advocate Dele Farotimi for alleged professional misconduct.
In a detailed 90-page petition dated December 6, 2024, and signed by Ola Faro, a partner at the firm, the petition accuses Farotimi of actions deemed “unbecoming of a legal practitioner.” Faro stated that the petition was submitted on behalf of the firm in a personal capacity.
The LPDC, established under the Legal Practitioners Act, is tasked with ensuring ethical compliance within Nigeria’s legal profession.
Allegations of Misconduct
The petition alleges that Farotimi’s controversial book, Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System, contained defamatory claims against the firm, the Nigerian judiciary, and its justices. Specific accusations include:
Making false accusations of bribery and corruption within the judiciary.
Assisting clients in illegal activities and fraudulent conduct.
Using disrespectful and unprofessional language to describe the Supreme Court and its justices.
Distorting facts, engaging in unethical practices, and obstructing justice in a Supreme Court case.
Treating fellow lawyers with disrespect and allowing personal grievances to influence his conduct.
The firm claims that these actions have damaged its reputation and undermined the credibility of Nigeria’s legal and judicial systems.
Ongoing Legal Troubles
Farotimi’s legal challenges extend beyond the petition. On December 3, he was arrested in Lagos by officers from the Ekiti State police command over allegations of defamation and cyberbullying against Afe Babalola and his firm.
Currently facing trial in two separate courts, Farotimi is charged with defamation and cybercrime. On December 9, the Federal High Court in Ekiti granted him bail of ₦50 million with a surety, following a 12-count charge filed by the inspector-general of police.
However, his bail application in a related case before a magistrate court in Ekiti has been delayed, with a ruling now reserved for December 20. Farotimi remains in custody at an Ekiti prison.
A Divisive Case
The case has sparked widespread debate over the intersection of free speech, professional ethics, and the limits of legal advocacy. While Farotimi’s supporters view the actions against him as an attack on dissent, others argue that lawyers must uphold strict ethical standards in their practice.
The LPDC has yet to announce its decision on the petition, but the outcome could have significant implications for both Farotimi’s career and broader discussions on ethics within the Nigerian legal profession.