Afe Babalola: Ekiti Court Remands Dele Farotimi Over Defamation Allegations
An Ado-Ekiti Magistrate Court on Wednesday remanded a Lagos-based human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi over an alleged case of defamation against the founder of Afe Babalola University, 95-year-old Aare Afe Babalola (SAN).
Farotimi, who was arrested at his chamber in Lagos on Tuesday by officers from Ekiti State Police Command, was arraigned for allegedly publishing a book “Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System where he alleged that Aare Afe Babalola corrupted the Judiciary and procured judgments in the Supreme Court, thereby exposing him to hatred, contempt, ridicule and damage his hard-earned career.
The suspect Dele Farotimi pleaded not guilty to all the 16 count charges brought against him by the Nigeria Police.
Police prosecutor, Samson Osun called for the remand of the suspect in prison custody pending further investigation and its outcome for the maintenance of security in the country.
Counsel to the defendant, Dayo Akeredolu, while opposing the remand call, pleaded with the court to admit the defendant to bail on very liberal terms and on self-recognition because the case at hand is bailable.
Further arguing that the suspect is a known figure who does not constitute any threat, Akeredolu reminded the Court that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
However, in his ruling, the presiding Magistrate, Abayomi Adeosun remanded the suspect in prison custody and adjourned the hearing till December 10, 2024.
