Court Sends Activist Dele Farotimi to Prison Over Allegations of Defamation

A magistrate court in Ado Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti State, has remanded human rights lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi in a correctional facility.

Presiding Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun ordered Farotimi’s remand following his arraignment by the police on charges of alleged defamation against renowned legal scholar Chief Afe Babalola, as stated in Farotimi’s book titled “Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System.”

Farotimi pleaded not guilty to all 16 counts against him.

Police prosecutor Samson Osun requested the defendant’s remand in the correctional facility pending further investigation.

In response, the defendant’s counsel, Barrister Dayo Akeredolu, opposed this request and urged the court to grant bail to Farotimi on liberal terms or based on self-recognizance.

Akeredolu argued that the case is bailable and that Farotimi, a known figure, does not pose a threat.

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He emphasized that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Magistrate Adeosun denied Farotimi’s bail application, remanded him in custody, and adjourned the case until December 10 for further hearing.