JUST IN : More trouble for Farotimi as another SAN files fresh N500m suit against him

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Olu Daramola, a partner at Afe Babalola & Co., has filed a N500 million lawsuit against Tomilola Titus Farotimi, popularly known as Dele Farotimi, for alleged defamation in his book titled Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.

The case was lodged at the Ojodu Abiodun Division of the Ogun State High Court on December 13, 2024. The writ, marked HCO/65/24, was submitted on behalf of Daramola by his legal representative, Iheanyichukwu C. Uwa.

Daramola claims that certain statements on page 64 of the book are defamatory, alleging that the publication subjected him to “ridicule, odium, disrespect, disrepute, and scorn” in the eyes of the public. He seeks a court declaration that the book has damaged his character, reputation, and professional standing as a diligent and trustworthy lawyer.

In addition to the N500 million in damages, Daramola is requesting an apology from Farotimi, to be published in The Guardian and The Punch newspapers. He is also asking the court to order the removal and destruction of all copies of the book—both hard and digital—currently in circulation across Nigeria and on online platforms.

The lawsuit further demands a perpetual injunction to prevent Farotimi, his agents, or associates from publishing or distributing the book in any format. Additionally, Daramola seeks an interest of 10% per annum on any awarded judgment sum until the debt is fully settled.

This latest legal action follows a similar lawsuit filed last month by Chief Afe Babalola (SAN), who alleged defamation in the same book.

Farotimi, currently in custody of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), has yet to respond to the latest claims. A hearing date for the suit has not yet been set.