ADO-EKITI, Nigeria – Prominent human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi has been denied bail and remanded in prison custody by a magistrate court in Ado-Ekiti.
His case has been adjourned until 20 December 2024, according to reports from TV Continental (TVC).
Farotimi faces a 16-count charge for alleged defamation of renowned legal icon Aare Afe Babalola (SAN), stemming from his recently published book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.
Court Appearance and Allegations
Farotimi arrived at the court premises at 9:49 a.m. on Tuesday under heavy security, accompanied by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad of the Nigeria Police Force and officials from the Nigeria Correctional Service.
The case centres on accusations by Babalola, who claims that parts of Farotimi’s 104-page book defame his reputation.
In response to these claims, Babalola petitioned the police to take legal action.
The charges include alleged violations under defamation and cybercrime laws.
While the Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti granted Farotimi bail on Monday in a separate case filed by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, the magistrate court’s decision to deny bail keeps him in custody.
The Federal High Court granted Farotimi bail on cybercrime-related charges brought by the IGP, with conditions yet to be met.
However, the magistrate court’s defamation case, initiated by Babalola, has introduced additional hurdles for the lawyer’s legal defence.
Reactions
Farotimi’s detention has sparked widespread debate, with many questioning the implications of his case for freedom of speech and the rule of law in Nigeria.
Legal observers have pointed out the need to balance protecting reputations against safeguarding the right to critique public figures and institutions.
Farotimi’s case will resume on 20 December, when the magistrate court is expected to hear arguments on the substantive charges.
His legal team has yet to comment on the possibility of appealing the bail denial.
