A leaked U.S. government cable, made public by transparency group WikiLeaks, has alleged that senior lawyer Afe Babalola facilitated a $1.125 million bribe to five appellate judges in the early 2000s to secure a favorable ruling for then-Adamawa Governor Boni Haruna. The panel, led by Justice Pius Olayiwola Aderemi, purportedly received $225,000 each, resulting in a decision that reinstated Mr. Haruna after an election tribunal had nullified his victory due to electoral malpractice.
The classified document detailed a senior lawyer’s claim that he accompanied Mr. Babalola to deliver tens of millions of naira in untraceable cash to the judges. This account painted a picture of systemic judicial corruption, with verdicts being allegedly purchased rather than earned through merit.
The cable noted the significant inconsistencies between the tribunal’s decision and the appellate court’s ruling, sparking concerns among U.S. diplomats about undue influence. “The appeals court and tribunal findings diverged so significantly that they raised questions of external interference,” the document stated.
According to the leaked cable, the bribery was described as a routine practice in high-stakes cases. An attorney from Mr. Babalola’s team reportedly confirmed that cash payments were instrumental in overturning the tribunal’s decision.
Mr. Babalola, 95, a prominent lawyer known for his track record of courtroom victories, has long been a legal figure sought by Nigeria’s elite, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo. However, this revelation, coupled with similar corruption allegations by rights lawyer Dele Farotimi, has cast a shadow over his legacy.
In his book, Mr. Farotimi accused Mr. Babalola of routinely leveraging cash to secure favorable judgments. The book, initially slow in sales, gained massive traction following Mr. Farotimi’s arrest and alleged maltreatment, becoming a bestseller on platforms like Amazon and selling out in major bookstores across Nigeria.
Mr. Babalola has denied the allegations and filed a defamation case against Mr. Farotimi. The rights lawyer was reportedly subjected to police harassment, arrested in Lagos, and transported to Ekiti, where Mr. Babalola wields significant influence. This move has drawn widespread criticism from Nigerians, who view it as an attempt to suppress free speech.
Supporters of Mr. Farotimi have since planned protests across Abuja, Lagos, Ekiti, and internationally, including at King’s College London, to highlight concerns about freedom of expression and judicial integrity under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Meanwhile, Mr. Babalola’s allies have urged Mr. Farotimi to apologize and retract his claims, but the rights lawyer’s supporters insist that justice must be served.
The allegations, if true, not only tarnish Mr. Babalola’s reputation but also underscore systemic challenges in Nigeria’s judicial system. As the controversy deepens, it raises critical questions about the integrity of the nation’s judiciary and the rule of law.
Both sides remain entrenched in their positions, with public sentiment divided and the nation’s legal and political climate under increasing scrutiny.
