Court Remands Dele Farotimi In Prison For Allegedly Defaming Afe Babalola

An Ekiti State Chief Magistrates Court in Ado Ekiti has ordered that human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi, be remanded in the state’s correctional centre.

Dele Farotimi was arraigned in court on charges of defamation related to his book, “Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System”.

In the book, Farotimi accused Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Afe Babalola, of compromising the Supreme Court and influencing judicial decisions, claims which he argued damaged Babalola’s reputation and career.

Farotimi pleaded not guilty to the sixteen charges against him.

The prosecution, represented by Police prosecutor Samson Osun, requested that Farotimi be kept in custody while further investigations are carried out, citing the need for security.

Farotimi’s lawyer, Dayo Akeredolu, opposed the request for remand, asking the court to grant bail, pointing out that the case is bailable and Farotimi is a well-known figure with no apparent threat to public safety.

He also emphasized that Farotimi should be presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun ruled in favor of the prosecution, ordering that Farotimi be remanded in custody until the next hearing, which is set for December 10.

The judge said, “The defendant should file a formal application for bail. The matter is adjourned till Tuesday, December 10, 2024. The defendant is hereby ordered remanded at the Correctional Centre, Ado Ekiti.”

KanyiDaily had reported how Dele Farotimi was arrested in Lagos and transferred to Ekiti over the content of a book he authored.