LPDC Dismisses Afe Babalola's Bid to Debar Lawyer Dele Farotimi

The Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) has rejected Chief Afe Babalola's request to revoke the practicing license of lawyer Dele Farotimi. This decision comes in response to allegations of criminal defamation and professional misconduct linked to statements made in Farotimi's book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.

In the petition filed by Babalola's law firm, Emmanuel Chambers, it was claimed that Farotimi's book contained defamatory remarks about the Supreme Court and the legal profession, specifically referencing a case that purportedly highlighted corruption within the judiciary. However, the LPDC concluded that the alleged offenses were committed in Farotimi's capacity as an author rather than during his legal practice. The committee emphasized that it lacked jurisdiction over matters related to publications and advised that any grievances regarding the book should be addressed through regular courts.

Chairman of the LPDC, Justice Isaq Usman Bello, stated that the publication is considered intellectual property and does not constitute misconduct in the practice of law. Consequently, the LPDC dismissed the petition due to these jurisdictional limitations.