Human rights lawyer and activist, Dele Farotimi, has been remanded in prison over allegations of defaming Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, a prominent legal figure and founder of Afe Babalola University.
Earlier reports from a reporter revealed that Farotimi was arraigned on Monday before a Magistrate Court in Ado Ekiti.
The charges stem from claims that Farotimi defamed Afe Babalola’s character in his recently published book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.
Farotimi denied all 16 charges brought against him.
The police prosecutor, Samson Osun, requested that the suspect be remanded in prison custody to allow for further investigation and to ensure national security.
In response, the defendant’s counsel, Dayo Akeredolu, opposed the request and urged the court to grant bail under lenient conditions or on self-recognition.
According to him, 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.
However, in his ruling, the presiding judge, Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun remanded the suspect in prison custody and adjourned till December 10.
