A Magistrate court in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, on Wednesday ordered the remand of a popular Lagos-based human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi, for an alleged case of defamation against Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, the founder of Afe Babalola University.
In a drama that spurred the release of a viral video of his arrest and a deluge of reactions, including the naming of the Chairman of the UBA Group, Mr. Tony Elumelu as been behind the lawyer’s travail, Farotimi was arrested at his chamber in Lagos on Tuesday by officers from Ekiti State Police Command.
He was arraigned for allegedly publishing a book “Nigeria and its 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 earned career.
The suspect, Dele Farotimi, pleaded not guilty to all the sixteen counts.
Police prosecutor, Samson Osun called for the remand of the suspect in prison custody pending further investigation and its outcome for the maintenance of security in the country.
Counsel for 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 was presumed innocent until proven guilty.
In his ruling, the presiding Magistrate, Abayomi Adeosun remanded the suspect in prison custody and adjourned hearing till December 10.
