CITIZENS COMPASS – An Ado-Ekiti Magistrate court on Wednesday, arraigned and remanded a Lagos based human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi, over an alleged case of defamation against Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, the founder of Afe Babalola University.
Farotimi, who was arrested at his chamber in Lagos on Tuesday, by the personnel of the Ekiti State Police Command, was arraigned for allegedly publishing a book “Nigeria and it’s Criminal Justice System where he alleged that Aare Afe Babalola corrupted the Judiciary and procured judgements in the Supreme Court thereby exposing him to hatred, contempt, ridicule and damage his hard earned career.
The suspect, Dele Farotimi, pleaded not guilty to all the 16 count charges.
Police prosecutor, Samson Osun, requested that the suspect be put in prison custody pending further investigation and its outcome for the maintenance of security in the country.
Counsel to the defendant, Dayo Akeredolu, opposed the remand call and pleaded with the court to admit the defendant to bail on very liberal terms and on self recognition because the case at hand is bailable and the suspect is a known figure who is not constituting any threat .
He said the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
In his ruling, the presiding Magistrate, Abayomi Adeosun remanded the suspect in prison custody and adjourned hearing till December 10.
Meanwhile, a human right lawyer, Tope Temokun, on his X Handle said he attended the proceedings alongside his colleagues.
“This 3:38pm, we just stepped out of the Correctional center in Afao road, Ado Ekiti, where we were with @DeleFarotimi
“Unfazed, unruffled & high-spirited, DF is ready and eager to justify his publication in court with facts & figures. in absolute truth.
“This war will be a long one
“The quest for justice and freedom is not one day one night shift job… It’s 24 hours and for a lifetime for those who chose the rough path..
@DeleFarotimi remanded in prison custody, till December 10, 2024, for hearing of formal bail application…
We move!
