A Chief Magistrates Court in Ekiti State has ordered the remand of human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi, in the state’s correctional centre.
Farotimi was arraigned in court on Wednesday over alleged defamation of character following the publication of his book, ‘Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System’. In the book, Farotimi alleged that a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Afe Babalola, had compromised the Supreme Court.
The police prosecutor, Samson Osubu, filed a 16-count allegation against Farotimi, to which he pleaded not guilty. Chief Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun adjourned the matter till December 10, 2024, and ordered Farotimi to be remanded in the correctional centre.
The magistrate also directed Farotimi to file a formal application for bail.
Farotimi’s arrest was defended by the Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Mr Adeniran Akinwale, who stated that the lawyer was being investigated for alleged cyberbullying and defamation.
The commissioner claimed that the offences allegedly committed by Farotimi included “defamation of character, cyberstalking, and other things”, noting that the allegations of defamation and cyberstalking were “fully established”.
The lawyer’s arrest was revealed by the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, who called for Farotimi’s immediate release. Sowore emphasized that the police should not be used to settle personal disputes.
However, the police spokesperson at the Zone 2 Command, SP Ummar Ayuba, refuted the arrest claim, stating that Farotimi was not in their custody.
Meanwhile, the Ekiti State Commissioner of Police confirmed that Farotimi was arrested and is being investigated.
Farotimi’s remand in the correctional centre has sparked concerns about the use of the legal system to silence critics. The case has also highlighted the need for greater protections for freedom of expression in Nigeria.
The court’s decision to adjourn the matter till December 10, 2024, means that Farotimi will remain in custody until then.
The case has sparked widespread interest and concern, with many calling for Farotimi’s release and an end to the use of the legal system to silence critics.
