An Ado-Ekiti Magistrate Court has ordered the remand of Lagos-based human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi, for alleged defamation against respected legal icon and founder of Afe Babalola University, Aare Afe Babalola SAN.
Mr. Farotimi was reportedly arrested on Tuesday at his law office in Lagos by officers from the Ekiti State Police Command. He was brought before the court on Wednesday to face charges related to the publication of his book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System. In the book, he alleged that Aare Afe Babalola influenced the judiciary and procured favorable judgments at the Supreme Court. The claims are said to have exposed Mr. Babalola to public contempt, ridicule, and damage to his reputation.
The prosecution filed a sixteen-count charge against Mr. Farotimi. He pleaded not guilty to all charges. The police prosecutor, Samson Osun, requested the court to remand Mr. Farotimi in prison custody to allow further investigations and to maintain public order.
However, the defendant’s counsel, Dayo Akeredolu, opposed the remand request. He argued for Mr. Farotimi’s release on bail, stating, “The case at hand is bailable, and the defendant is a well-known figure who poses no threat. He is also presumed innocent until proven guilty.”
After reviewing the arguments, Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun ruled that the defendant be remanded in custody. The case was adjourned until December 10 for further proceedings.
