Nigeria
Farotimi to File Petitions Against Lawyers, Seeks Disbarment Over Arrest and Defamation Claims
Farotimi announces plans to file petitions against lawyers involved in his arrest and defamation, aiming for disbarment in response to the allegations.
Human rights attorney Dele Farotimi has revealed his intention to file a petition with the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC), aiming for the permanent disbarment of lawyers he claims were involved in his recent arrest and defamation case.
This comes after the LPDC recently dismissed a petition from Afe Babalola’s law firm, Emmanuel Chambers. The petition sought to revoke Farotimi’s legal license on allegations of criminal defamation and professional misconduct.
The allegations originated from claims made in Farotimi’s book, *Nigeria and the Criminal Justice System*, which accused individuals within the judiciary and legal community of engaging in corruption, bribery, and unethical conduct. The book specifically cited a Supreme Court case (SC/146/2006) involving Major Muritala Gbadamosi Eletu and HRH Oba Tijani Akinloye.
Emmanuel Chambers accused Farotimi of distorting case details, disrespecting his colleagues, and obstructing justice for personal gain. They contended that his criticism of a Supreme Court judgment regarding residential estates and the ensuing legal proceedings breached the 2023 Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners. Consequently, they demanded that he be disbarred from practicing law.
The LPDC rejected the petition, noting that Farotimi’s alleged actions were in his role as an author rather than part of his professional legal duties. As a result, the committee determined it did not have jurisdiction over the case and recommended that the complainants pursue their concerns through legal channels in court.
In a video uploaded to his YouTube channel on Sunday, Farotimi announced plans to take legal action against those he alleges were behind his “abduction.”
He promised to strongly defend himself against the numerous criminal and civil lawsuits filed against him.
Farotimi stated, “I intend to pursue legal actions and remedies against all those involved in my abduction. I will rigorously defend each of the numerous civil and criminal lawsuits that have been filed against me.”
He also disclosed plans to submit a petition to the LPDC, aiming to ensure that certain lawyers involved in his ordeal are permanently prohibited from practicing law in Nigeria.
“I am still your brother and Dele Farotimi Esq. SAN—Senior Accused of Nigeria, a victim who understands the plight within this nation. However, I refuse to remain just a victim; now, I stand as a threat,” he declared.
Farotimi reaffirmed his dedication to directly tackling the legal challenges and pursuing justice against those he claims have wronged him.
