A Magistrate court sitting in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital has remanded human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi, over an alleged case of defamation against the founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola.
Farotimi was arraigned by Ekiti State Police Command for publishing a book “Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System” where he alleged that Afe Babalola corrupted the Judiciary and procured judgements in the Supreme Court.
The defendant Dele Farotimi pleaded not guilty to all the sixteen count charge.
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 to 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-recognition because 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.
In his ruling, the presiding magistrate, Abayomi Adeosun, remanded the suspect in prison custody and adjourned till December 10.
