Dele Farotimi, a human rights lawyer and activist, has been remanded in prison for allegedly defaming Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, a renowned legal luminary and founder of Afe Babalola University.
According to reports, Farotimi was arraigned before a Magistrate Court in Ado Ekiti on Monday. The activist was accused of maligning and defaming the character of Afe Babalola in his recently published book, 'Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.'
Farotimi entered a not-guilty plea to all sixteen charges. Police prosecutor Samson Osun requested that the suspect be remanded in prison custody, pending further investigation and its outcome, in order to maintain national security.
Dayo Akeredolu, counsel to the defendant, opposed the motion, requesting the court to grant the defendant bail on very liberal terms and self-recognizance.
According to him, the case at hand is bailable and the suspect is a well-known figure who does not pose any threat. He stated that 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 the case until December 10.
