Human Rights Lawyer Dele Farotimi remanded over alleged defamation of Afe Babalola

An Ado-Ekiti Magistrate Court has ordered the remand of Lagos-based human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi, over allegations of defamation against Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, founder of Afe Babalola University.

Farotimi was arrested on Tuesday at his Lagos office by officers from the Ekiti State Police Command and arraigned on Wednesday on a 16-count charge. The charges stem from his book, Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System, where he allegedly accused Afe Babalola of corrupting the judiciary and influencing Supreme Court judgments, claims said to expose the legal luminary to ridicule and harm his reputation.

Farotimi pleaded not guilty to all charges. The police prosecutor, Samson Osun, requested his remand, citing security concerns and the need for further investigations.

However, defense counsel Dayo Akeredolu argued for Farotimi’s bail, emphasizing that the charges were bailable and that his client, a public figure, posed no flight risk. He also reminded the court of the principle of presumed innocence.

Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun, however, ruled in favor of remanding Farotimi in custody and adjourned the case to December 10, 2024, for further hearing.