By Gloria Ikibah
The Labour Party Caucus in the House of Representatives has raised concerns about the need for judicial neutrality, fairness, and impartiality in the defamation case involving human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi and Chief Afe Babalola, SAN.
The caucus voiced its apprehension over actions it perceives as threats to Nigeria’s democratic values and civil governance. Specifically, it referenced the arrest and detention of Barrister Farotimi, accused of defamation by Babalola.
Leader of the Labour Party Caucus, Rep. Afam Ogene, in a statement described the lawyer’s arrest as a troubling incident. He highlighted the dramatic manner in which Farotimi was apprehended from his Lagos office, alongside reports of staff intimidation, as signs of growing hostility toward democratic principles and dissenting opinions in the country.
The caucus emphasised that such actions undermine public trust in democratic institutions and called for strict adherence to the rule of law in handling the case.
He stated: “The judiciary remains the last bastion of hope for all citizens in a democratic society, as such, it is imperative that the judiciary upholds the principles of impartiality and neutrality at all times, regardless of the social status or connections of any party involved in a dispute before it.
“The Labour Party Caucus is committed to upholding the values of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, and in this regard we call on the authorities involved in this controversial case to ensure that Barrister Farotimi’s rights and privileges are not denied.
“We also demand that the embattled lawyer be given fair hearing, and not made to suffer from any manipulated processes, as was alleged by him in a statement before his forceful arrest and subsequent imprisonment.”
Barrister Farotimi had previously alleged in a press conference that a court process was initiated against him without his knowledge. He claimed that a bench warrant was issued for his arrest, ostensibly for failing to appear in court.
Farotimi maintained that these actions were part of a deliberate and fraudulent scheme to manipulate the judicial process, ultimately leading to his arrest and imprisonment.
The Nigeria Bar Association NBA, had condemned the development, adding that “These actions constitute a troubling breach of the rule of law and the sanctity of the legal profession.”
