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Afe Babalola’s law firm asks LPDC to disbar Dele Farotimi

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Afe Babalola’s law firm has asked the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) to disbar Dele Farotimi, a human rights advocate, for alleged unethical conduct.

The firm wrote a 90-page petition dated December 6, 2024 and signed by Ola Faro, a partner in the firm.

LPDC is a committee established by the Legal Practitioners Act and charged with upholding ethical standards in the legal profession.

Faro told the LPDC that he wrote the petition in his personal capacity “and for and on behalf of the law firm of Afe Babalola & Co”.

The lawyer was also mentioned in Farotimi’s book titled: ‘Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System’.

Babalola, a senior advocate of Nigeria, and some lawyers in his firm, had alleged that Farotimi “criminally” defamed them in his book.

In the petition, the firm accused Farotimi of engaging in “conduct which is unbecoming of a legal practitioner by making false accusations against the Supreme Court and the legal profession”.

The chamber said Farotimi’s book discredited the Nigerian judiciary and judges.

The petitioner said the book also 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 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.”

TRIALS OF FAROTIMI

On December 3, Farotimi was arrested in Lagos by officers attached to the Ekiti police command, over alleged defamation and cyberbullying.

The accused is currently facing trial in two courts on charges bordering on alleged defamation of Babalola.

On Monday, a federal high court in Ekiti granted Farotimi N50 million bail with one surety, following a 12-count charge bordering on cybercrime filed by the inspector-general of police.

However, a magistrate court in Ekiti on Tuesday reserved ruling in Farotimi’s bail application to December 20.

The activist is currently being remanded in an Ekiti prison.

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Tinubu appoints Nwakuche Ndidi as acting CG for correctional service

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President Bola Tinubu has appointed Nwakuche Ndidi as the acting controller-general of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS).

Dada Olusegun, special assistant on social media to the president, confirmed the appointment to TheCable on Friday.

In an earlier statement, Ja’afaru Ahmed, secretary of the civil defence, correctional, fire, and immigration board, said Ndidi’s appointment will take effect from December 15, 2024.

“The President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has graciously approved the appointment of Nwakuche Sylvester Ndidi as Acting Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service following the expiration of the tenure of Haliru Nababa. His appointment takes effect from December 15, 2024,” the statement reads.

“Nwakuche, born on November 26, 1966, hails from Oguta in Imo State. Until his appointment, he was the Deputy Controller-General in charge of the Training and Staff Development Directorate. He is a fellow of the prestigious National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies and holds the national honour of Member of the Federal Republic.

“The President further enjoined him to bring his wealth of experience to bear in his new capacity.”

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Lagos state government signs bill to tackle illegal organ harvesting

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The Attorney-General of Lagos State and the Commissioner for Justice, Mr Lawal Pedro, SAN, says the Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation Bill has been signed into law to prohibit illegal organ harvesting.

Pedro disclosed this on Thursday at the Ministry of Justice in Alausa, Ikeja, while briefing newsmen on the significance of the new law and other four new laws.

According to him, the state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, signed the new laws to show commitment to the welfare, security and prosperity of every Lagosian.

The other four new laws include; Consumer Protection Law, Lagos Enforcement Training Institute Laws, Victims Assistance, Witness Protection Laws and Fire and Rescue Service Laws.

He said, “These laws are not just milestones in the state’s legislative journey; they demonstrate our unwavering commitment to ensuring that Lagos remains a beacon of progress, justice, and opportunity in Nigeria.

“As a government, our priorities have always been to address the immediate needs of our citizens, protect their rights, ensure their safety, health and prosperities.

“In this regard, the recently signed laws cover some critical areas of public welfare, human rights, safety, and environmental sustainability.

“These Laws have been thoughtfully designed to tackle some of the most pressing issues facing our state while paving the way for a more just, secure and prosperous future for all residents of Lagos.”

The attorney-general further explained that the Lagos Consumer Protection Agency Law signified a leap forward in enhancing consumer rights in the state.

According to him, as Lagos continues to be a hub of commerce, business and trade, it is imperative that the interests of the residents are safeguarded.

He highlighted the Lagos Consumer Protection Agency Law as a major step forward in protecting residents.

“As Lagos continues to thrive as a hub of commerce and trade, it is crucial that the rights of our citizens are safeguarded.

“This law empowers consumers to hold businesses accountable and ensures strict enforcement of their rights.

“Violation of this law attracts the power to seal premises selling hazardous products and imposes fine of up to N5 million for violations.

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Court grants Yahaya Bello N500m bail in N80bn fraud case

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Yahaya Bello, former governor of Kogi state, has pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The ex-governor was also granted bail in the sum of N500 million, with two sureties in like sum, by the federal high court in Abuja.

Bello is facing a 19-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering to the tune of N80 billion.

The defendant is accused of diverting public funds to acquire property at home and abroad.

When the charge was read to Bello by an official of the court, he said he understood all the counts and pleaded not guilty to them all.

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Bodex F. Hungbo, SPMIIM is a multiple award-winning Nigerian Digital Media Practitioner, Digital Strategist, PR consultant, Brand and Event Expert, Tv Presenter, Tier-A Blogger/Influencer, and a top cobbler in Nigeria.

She has widespread experiences across different professions and skills, which includes experiences in; Marketing, Media, Broadcasting, Brand and Event Management, Administration and Management with prior stints at MTN, NAPIMS-NNPC, GLOBAL FLEET OIL AND GAS, LTV, Silverbird and a host of others

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