BREAKING: Court Takes Action On Dele Farotimi's Case
- An Ekiti state magistrate court has remanded Dele Farotimi, a Nigerian activist and human rights lawyer, at the correctional centre
- The police had arraigned the activist for alleged defamation of a renowned Nigerian lawyer, Chief Afe Babalola, in his book
- Samson Osun, the police prosecutor, pleaded with the court that the suspect be remanded for further investigation
A Magistrate court in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, has remanded human rights lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi in a correctional centre. This decision was made after the Police arraigned Farotimi for allegedly defaming Chief Afe Babalola, a renowned legal luminary, in his book "Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System".
Farotimi pleaded not guilty to all 16 counts against him. The Police prosecutor, Samson Osun, requested that Farotimi should be remanded in the correctional centre pending further investigation. However, Farotimi's counsel, Dayo Akeredolu, opposed this request, arguing that the case is bailable and the suspect poses no threat.
The lawyer pleaded for Farotimi's bail
Akeredolu pleaded with the court to grant Farotimi bail on liberal terms and self-recognisance. He emphasized that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Despite this, Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun refused Farotimi's bail application and remanded him in prison custody.
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The matter has been adjourned until December 10 for further hearing. Farotimi's arrest and remand have sparked concern, with some experts questioning the Police's neutrality in the case.
The incident has also drawn attention to the issue of defamation laws in Nigeria and their potential impact on free speech. As the case unfolds, monitoring developments and ensuring that Farotimi's rights are protected will be important.
Omoyele Sowore, a former presidential candidate, announced the development in a tweet on Wednesday, December 4.
Lawyer reacts to Farotimi and Babalola's controversies
Reacting to the legal tussle between the two legal practitioners, Titilope Anifowoshe urged Nigerians to make statements with facts, adding that such would make the country's democracy thrive. She said:
"It is unhealthy for our democracy when we make unsubstantiated claims or accusations against individuals. We must strive to maintain a culture of transparency, accountability, and respect for the rule of law."
Read the full details here:
NBA calls for Dele Farotimi's release
Legit.ng earlier reported that the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned the Nigerian Police Force's arrest of human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi on defamation charges.
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The NBA emphasized that defamation is a civil matter, not a criminal offence in Lagos state.
The NBA also denounced the reported invasion of Farotimi’s law firm, highlighting harassment and phone confiscation as breaches of legal independence and constitutional rights.
In a statement signed by Mazi Afam Osigwe, NBA President, and shared via X, Osigwe emphasized that defamation should be treated as a civil matter, not a criminal one.
