The Former Provost of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Gbemiga Ogunleye, has expressed deep worry about the status of the Nigerian judiciary, describing in as “frightening”.
He made the comment after receiving his copy of Human Rights Activist, Mr. Dele Farotimi’s book titled “Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System”.
According to him, he does not agree with the activist’s generalization, however he expressed that he believes every country needs more of the activist’s kind.
NPO reports that Farotimi has been in prison over alleged defamation of senior lawyer, Chief Afe Babalola (SAN), in his book.
Farotimi was arrested on Tuesday in Lagos and was then transferred to Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital following the senior activist’s petition against him.
This move has therefore left many Nigerians outraged, tagging it as “oppression”, “bullying”
“You see, while I don’t agree with Farotimi’s generalisations, I think every country needs more Dele Farotimis.
“As a practicing lawyer, I can confirm that the rot in the judiciary is frightening.
He stated that the senior lawyer, did not go about the issue the right way as he should have sued Farotimi instead and use his influence positively to determine the case within a year.
“I am not sure Afe went about it the right way, too.
“I think he should have sued Dele Farotimi himself and used his influence positively by ensuring that the case is determined within a year.
“But now, by referring the matter to the police, it’s now a case of The Police versus Dele Farotimi.
“What that means is that the burden of proof will now be on the Police to prove that what Dele wrote is false. Dele doesn’t have to prove that what he wrote is true.
“I hope I am not confusing you. In a criminal matter, you have to prove beyond reasonable doubt to secure a conviction.”
“The question is: can the police prove beyond REASONABLE DOUBT that what Dele wrote is false?” he questioned.
NPO also reports that since Farotimi’s arrest, his book sparked interest as it is been sought after nationwide and even sold out in major outlets.
It also ranked top best seller on amazon in global politics.