Fresh Charges Filed Against Human Rights Advocate Dele Farotimi in Ekiti State
Lagos, Nigeria – The Ekiti State Police Command has announced the filing of new charges against Dele Farotimi, a Lagos-based human rights advocate, following his arrest in Lagos. He has been brought to Ado-Ekiti to stand trial for allegedly defaming Afe Babalola, a prominent lawyer and founder of Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), in his book titled Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System.
In his book, Farotimi claims that Babalola influenced the Supreme Court to obtain fraudulent judgments to benefit his clients. This allegation has led to a significant response from Babalola’s legal team, which includes Owoseni Ajayi, Olakanmi Falade, and Lawrence Fasanmi, who held a press conference in Ado-Ekiti to address the matter on Friday.
The newly filed 12-count charge at a federal high court in Ado-Ekiti revolves around accusations of cybercrime. According to the charge, on August 28, 2024, Farotimi allegedly disseminated false information during an online interview on the Mic On podcast with Seun Okinbaloye, hosted on his YouTube channel. He reportedly stated that “Aare Afe Babalola corrupted the judiciary,” knowing this statement to be untrue, which is said to be an effort to incite a breakdown of law and order. This action is reportedly in violation of Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act of 2015, as amended.
Farotimi was initially apprehended by Ekiti State police officers on Tuesday in connection to the accusations of defamation and cyberbullying. Following his arrest, the court has ordered that he remain in custody until his bail hearing set for December 10.
In the foreword of his book, Farotimi outlined ten serious allegations against Babalola, his law firm, and other legal figures. Some of these include claims that Babalola manipulated the Supreme Court to secure deceptive judgments, that the law firm S.B. Joseph & Co. altered the original judgment of the Supreme Court to gain an execution order, and that Justice Atilade issued and later annulled this warrant unlawfully. Farotimi also contended that Babalola and his colleagues have undermined the integrity of the judiciary, which he characterized as fundamentally corrupt and incapable of delivering true justice.
Babalola has dismissed all allegations, labeling them as intentional fabrications aimed at tarnishing his reputation and the legacy of his law firm, established in 1965. He has demanded the removal of all copies of Farotimi’s book from circulation.
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