Dele Farotimi, a human rights lawyer and activist, has been remanded in prison by a Magistrate Court in Ado Ekiti following accusations of defaming legal luminary Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, founder of Afe Babalola University. Farotimi's alleged defamation stems from statements in his book Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.
Farotimi, who faces 16 charges, pleaded not guilty. His counsel, Dayo Akeredolu, argued for bail on the grounds of Farotimi’s public standing and the bailable nature of the charges. However, Police prosecutor Samson Osun requested remand for further investigation and to maintain security.
Presiding Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun ruled for Farotimi's remand in prison custody and adjourned the case for further proceedings.