An Ekiti State Magistrate Court has ordered the remand of Human rights lawyer and activist, Dele Farotimi, in prison over alleged defamation of legal luminary and founder of Afe Babalola University, Aare Afe Babalola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.
Farotimi who was arrested in Lagos on Tuesday by operatives of the Ekiti state police command, was arraigned on Wednesday on a 16-court charge of defamation of character.
He was accused of maligning and defaming the character of Afe Babalola in his recently published book titled, ‘Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System’ where he alleged that Babalola corrupted the Judiciary and procured judgements in the supreme court, thereby exposing him to hatred, contempt, and ridicule.
When the charges were read to him, Farotimi denied all 16 counts.
Following his plea, police prosecutor, Samson Osun, asked the court to order his remand in prison pending further investigation.
Counsel to the defendant, Dayo Akeredolu, opposed the notion and pleaded with the court to admit him to bail on liberal terms on the grounds that the defendant does not constitute any threat.
In his ruling, the presiding Magistrate, Abayomi Adeosun, remanded the suspect in prison custody and adjourned the hearing till December 10.