In the Nigerian legal world, a controversial case is making headlines: lawyer and human rights activist Dele Farotimi has been remanded in custody over allegations of defamation against Afe Babalola, a prominent jurist and founder of Afe Babalola University.
The source of contention is Farotimi’s controversial book, “Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.”
The lawyer faced 16 counts of defamation before the Ado Ekiti Magistrate’s Court on Monday, to which he pleaded not guilty.
Despite the charges, the activist has stood firm and refused to be intimidated.
Police prosecutor Samson Osun stressed the need to keep Farotimi in preventive detention to ensure national security while investigations continue.
“For the stability of the legal and public systems, it is crucial that the suspect remains in police custody,” Osun said.
However, defense counsel Dayo Akeredolu vigorously contested the decision, arguing for his release on personal admission.
“The charges against my client are bailable, and he is not a flight risk. He is presumed innocent until proven guilty,” Akeredolu argued.
Despite the defense’s pleas, Judge Abayomi Adeosun ruled in favor of his continued detention and set the next hearing for December 10.
The court’s decision has sparked mixed reactions from the public, with some Farotimi supporters questioning the implications for freedom of expression in Nigeria.
In this legal imbroglio that is playing out a balancing act between justice and freedom of expression, Dele Farotimi’s future seems to be in the spotlight, sparking heated debate in Nigeria and beyond.