An Ekiti State Chief Magistrates Court in Ado Ekiti has ordered the remand of prominent human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi, at the state’s correctional facility. The directive came on Wednesday during a hearing related to allegations of defamation tied to statements in Farotimi’s book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.
In the book, Farotimi alleged that renowned Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Afe Babalola, had influenced the Supreme Court. These claims formed the basis of a 16-count charge filed by police prosecutor Samson Osubu, to which the lawyer pleaded not guilty.
Chief Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun stated, “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.”
Farotimi was arrested on Monday in Lagos by police officers from Ekiti State and transported to Ado Ekiti for his arraignment.
Speaking to The PUNCH on Tuesday, Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Adeniran Akinwale, justified the arrest, citing allegations of cyberbullying and defamation. He explained, “We are investigating him (Farotimi). If the suspect is arrested, we will bring him for investigation. We will conduct our investigation and will be able to know his level of culpability or otherwise.”
The charges, which include defamation of character and cyberstalking, have reportedly been “fully established,” according to the police. Farotimi’s legal team is expected to file a bail application before the next court session scheduled for December 10.
