An Ado-Ekiti Magistrate court on Wednesday remanded Dele Farotimi, a Lagos-based human rights lawyer, 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 officers from 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 earn career.
Farotimi pleaded not guilty to all the sixteen count charges.
Police prosecutor, Samson Osun called for the remand of the suspect in prison custody pending further investigation and it’s outcome for maintaining 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-recognisance 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 the hearing till December 10.
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