A Magistrates’ Court sitting in Ado Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti State, has remanded human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi, over an alleged defamation case against the founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola.
Farotimi was arraigned by the Ekiti State Police Command for publishing a book titled Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System, in which he allegedly claimed that Afe Babalola had corrupted the judiciary and procured judgements in the Supreme Court.
The defendant, Dele Farotimi, pleaded not guilty to all sixteen charges.
Police prosecutor, Samson Osun, requested the remand of the suspect in prison custody, pending further investigation and to ensure security within the country.
The defendant’s counsel, Dayo Akeredolu, opposed the remand request and urged the court to grant bail on very liberal terms and on self-recognition, arguing that the case is bailable and that the suspect, being a well-known figure, does not pose any threat. He also stated that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
In his ruling, the presiding magistrate, Abayomi Adeosun, ordered the suspect to be remanded in prison custody and adjourned the case until December 10.