LPDC Rules Out Disbarment of Farotimi Over Book on Judicial Corruption

The Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) has denied a request from Chief Afe Babalola’s law firm, Emmanuel Chambers, to revoke the law practice license of lawyer and author Tomilola Farotimi, also known as Dele Farotimi.

This request was based on allegations of criminal defamation and professional misconduct.

The petition was submitted by Mr. Ola Faro, a lawyer from Emmanuel Chambers, claiming that Farotimi made defamatory statements against the Supreme Court and the legal profession in his book, *Nigeria and the Criminal Justice System*, and that he should therefore be disbarred.

However, Justice Isaq Usman Bello, the LPDC Chairman, stated in Abuja that the committee could not grant the petition due to jurisdictional limitations.

The LPDC concluded that it lacked jurisdiction over complaints related to publications and advised those affected to seek redress in regular courts.

The book reportedly referenced suit number SC/146/2006 involving Major Muritala Gbadamosi Eletu and HRH Oba Tijani Akinloye, alleging corruption, bribery, and unethical practices involving judicial officers and the legal community.

Emmanuel Chambers accused Farotimi of distorting case facts, disrespecting fellow lawyers, and engaging in actions that obstructed justice for personal gain.

Specific grievances included references to a Supreme Court judgment affecting multiple residential estates and subsequent legal proceedings that undermined the apex court’s decision.

The Chambers argued that Farotimi’s book violated several sections of the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners 2023 and requested that his name be removed from the Roll of Legal Practitioners.

The LPDC’s report stated: “The publication is an intellectual property and not an act committed while practising as a Legal Practitioner. All aggrieved parties who find the publication ‘defamatory’ should pursue their grievances through the regular courts.”