Another SAN Files N500 Million Defamation Suit Against Farotimi
Olu Daramola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and partner at the prestigious Afe Babalola law firm, has filed a N500 million defamation lawsuit against Tomilola Titus Farotimi, also known as Dele Farotimi. The suit, lodged at the Ojodu Abiodun Division of the Ogun State High Court, stems from alleged defamatory statements in Farotimi’s book titled Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.
This legal action follows a similar lawsuit filed by Chief Afe Babalola (SAN) against Farotimi over the same publication.
The writ, dated December 13, 2024, was filed by Daramola’s legal representative, Iheanyichukwu C. Uwa. Daramola claims that excerpts on page 64 of the book contain defamatory, offensive, and derogatory remarks that have harmed his reputation and standing in society.
In his statement of claim, Daramola asserts that the book has subjected him to ridicule, disrespect, and scorn among “right-thinking members of society.” He further contends that the publication has damaged his character, prestige, and professional reputation as an honest, competent, and diligent legal practitioner.
The claimant is asking the court to:
- Award N500 million in exemplary and general damages for the harm caused by the alleged defamatory content.
- Compel an unreserved apology to be published in The Guardian and The Punch or any two widely circulated national newspapers.
- Order the recovery and destruction of all copies of the book, both in hard and soft formats, from libraries, bookshops, social media, and online platforms within the court’s jurisdiction.
- Grant a perpetual injunction restraining the defendant or any representatives from further publishing or circulating the book in any form.
- Award interest on the judgment sum at 10 percent per annum from the date of judgment until the debt is fully paid.
As of now, no date has been set for the hearing of the case. Farotimi, currently in the custody of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), has not filed a response to the allegations or the lawsuit.
This marks the second high-profile defamation case linked to Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System, raising questions about the book’s controversial contents and the legal battles ahead.
