The Ekiti state magistrate court in Ado-Ekiti has remanded Dele Farotimi, a human rights advocate, over alleged defamation.
Farotimi was arraigned on a 16-count charge by the police on Wednesday. The activist pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
The police accused Farotimi of “criminally defaming” Afe Babalola, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), in a book titled: “Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System”.
“That you Dele Farotimi ‘m’ sometimes in 2024 authored, published and circulated your book titled: ‘Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System’ which was received and read all over the world including Ado-Ekiti within the Ado-Ekiti Magisterial District wherein you stated at page IX of the book: ‘That Aare Afe Babalola corrupted the Supreme Court to procure a fraudulent judgment in the service of his clients’ which is likely to cause fear and alarm to the public or disturb the public peace knowing or having reason to believe that the statements is false and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 59(1) of Criminal Code Act,” the charge sheet reads.
“That you Dele Farotimi ‘m’ sometimes in 2024 authored, published and circulated your book titled: “Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System” which was received and read all over the world including Ado-Ekiti within the Ado-Ekiti Magisterial District wherein you stated at page X: ‘That Aare Afe Babalola, Olu Daramola, Olu Faro and the law offices of Afe Babalola & Co, (Emmanuel Chambers) compromised the Supreme Court and the remaining semblance of integrity it might have had when they went back to the Supreme Court and got that Court to swim in the sewer of corruption and shameful self abnegation’ which is likely to cause fear and alarm to the public or disturb the public peace knowing or having reason to believe that the Statements is false and thereby committed an offence.
“That you Dele Farotimi ‘m’ sometimes in 2024 authored, published and circulated your book titled: “Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System which was received and read all over the world including Ado-Ekiti within the Ado-Ekiti Magisterial District wherein you alleged in page X, ‘That Aare Afe Babalola, Olu Daramola, Olu Faro and the law offices of Afe Babalola & Co, (Emmanuel Chambers) compromised the Supreme Court and the remaining semblance of integrity it might have had when they went back to the Supreme Court and got that Court to swim in the sewer of corruption and shameful self- abnegation’ which statement you knew were false and likely to injure the reputation of the said Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, OFR, CON, FCIArb, LL.D.; Olu Daramola, SAN, FCIArb; Mr Ola Faro and the law firm of Afe Babalola & Co. by exposing them to hatred, contempt, ridicule and damage them in their profession and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 373 of the Criminal Code Act and punishable under Section 375 of Criminal Code Act.”
After the activist took his plea, Samson Osun, the police prosecutor, asked the court to remand Farotimi pending further investigation.
Responding, Dayo Akeredolu, counsel to Farotimi, opposed the remand request.
Akeredolu prayed the court to admit the activist on bail under liberal terms and self-recognition.
In his ruling, Abayomi Adeosun, the magistrate, rejected the bail application and ruled that Farotimi be remanded in prison custody till December 10.
On Tuesday, Farotimi was arrested at his office in Lagos by officers attached to the Ekiti police command.
The arrest of the activist has elicited criticisms with many Nigerians asking the police to release him.
