Afe Babalola: Police presses additional charges against Dele Farotimi

Prominent human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi is now facing 12 additional charges under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015.

The new charges were filed on Friday at the Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, further complicating his legal battles.

The charges reportedly aim to delay Farotimi’s bail application and prolong his detention.

This follows earlier charges filed in collaboration with Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Aare Afe Babalola, over alleged defamatory statements made during interviews and press conferences.

One of the key allegations against Farotimi is that he knowingly transmitted false information during an August 28, 2024, interview, accusing Afe Babalola of “corrupting the judiciary.” Prosecutors argue that his comments were intended to incite public unrest and intimidate or harass the senior lawyer.

Farotimi is also accused of defamatory remarks made during a podcast interview with journalist Seun Okinbaloye, where he referenced content from his book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System. Additionally, he faces charges for revealing legal actions against him during a press conference on December 2, 2024.

Earlier this week, Farotimi was arraigned on 16 cybercrime-related charges. His legal team has argued that the charges infringe on his constitutional rights to free speech and fair hearing. Farotimi, a vocal advocate for justice and reform, remains in detention pending the outcome of his bail application.

The case continues to attract attention, with concerns about its implications for free speech and judicial independence in Nigeria.