Afe Babalola’s law firm has requested that the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) disbar detained activist Dele Farotimi.
The request was made in a 90-page petition dated December 6, 2024, and signed by Ola Faro, a partner in the firm.
Established by the Legal Practitioners Act, the LPDC is a committee charged with upholding ethical standards in the legal profession.
Faro disclosed that he wrote the petition in his personal capacity “and for and on behalf of the law firm of Afe Babalola & Co”.
Like Babalola, Faro was mentioned in Farotimi’s book ‘Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System’ and they allege that they were “criminally” defamed.
In the petition, Farotimi is accused of engaging in “conduct which is unbecoming of a legal practitioner by making false accusations against the Supreme Court and the legal profession”.
According to the chamber, the contents of Farotimi’s book were published to discredit the Nigerian judiciary, judges, and the entire legal profession.
Faro further stated that the book has dented the hard-earned reputation and financial credit of the firm.
“The respondent participated in conduct that he believes to be unlawful by bribing judicial officers and having unlawful access to a judicial officer,” the petition reads.
“Joined his clients in committing misconduct and breach of law with reference to judicial officers by having unlawful access to a judicial officer.
“Gave service to his client which he knows is capable of causing a breach of law and disrespect and corrupting a judicial officer.
“Knowingly made false statements of law and facts in respect to a case already decided by the Supreme Court.
“Assisted his clients in a conduct that he knows to be illegal and fraudulent. Knowingly engaged in illegal conduct in the cause of his practice as a legal practitioner.
“Treated his fellow lawyers without respect, fairness, consideration and dignity, allowing ill-feeling between opposing clients to influence his conduct and demeanour by distorting the facts of a case in the cause of his practice as a legal practitioner.
“Failed to observe good faith and fairness in dealing with other lawyers in respect to a case already decided by the Supreme Court.
“Conducted himself in a manner that obstructed, delayed and adversely affected the administration of justice by taking steps to frustrate a decision of the Supreme Court for his personal benefit and the benefit of his client who lost at the Supreme Court.
“Treated the court, particularly the Supreme Court without respect, dignity and honour by using uncouth, unprofessional, undignified and offensive language against the Supreme Court and the justices of the Supreme Court.
“Made defamatory statements against judicial officers rather than making a complaint to appropriate authorities.
“Indicated that he discussed a pending case with a judge trying the case in the absence of an opposing lawyer,” it reads.