BREAKING: Dele Farotimi remanded in Ekiti prison over alleged defamation of Afe Babalola

A Magistrate Court in Ado Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti State, has ordered the remand of human rights lawyer and activist, Dele Farotimi, in a correctional facility.

The presiding magistrate, Abayomi Adeosun, issued the remand order after Farotimi was arraigned by the police on charges of defamation against renowned legal figure Chief Afe Babalola. The charges stemmed from statements made in Farotimi’s book, “Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.”

Farotimi pleaded not guilty to all 16 counts of defamation brought against him.

Police prosecutor, Samson Osun, requested that Farotimi be remanded in the correctional center while investigations continue.

In response, Farotimi’s counsel, Barrister Dayo Akeredolu, objected to the remand, urging the court to grant bail on liberal terms, citing that the case is bailable and that Farotimi is a well-known figure who does not pose a flight risk.

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

However, Magistrate Adeosun denied the bail application, ordered Farotimi to be remanded in prison, and adjourned the case until December 10 for further hearings.