Activist Dele Farotimi Detained Amid Legal Dispute Over Defamation Allegations

Prominent human rights attorney and activist, Dele Farotimi, has been remanded in jail over allegations of defaming Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, founder of Afe Babalola University and a respected figure in Nigeria’s legal community.

Farotimi was arraigned at the Magistrate Court in Ado Ekiti on Monday, following accusations linked to statements in his recently published book, "Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System." The charges against him include 16 counts of alleged defamation and slander.

The activist pleaded not guilty to all charges.

During the hearing, Police Prosecutor Samson Osun requested that Farotimi be detained to ensure national security while investigations continue. In response, the defendant’s counsel, Dayo Akeredolu, argued for bail under lenient conditions, citing Farotimi's status as a public figure with no flight risk.

"The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty and poses no threat to the public," Akeredolu asserted.

Despite the plea for bail, Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun ruled for the defendant to be remanded in custody, postponing the case to December 10 for further proceedings.

Farotimi’s book, which critiques Nigeria’s criminal justice system, has sparked debates, with this case adding to the discourse on freedom of expression and the boundaries of defamation.

This case highlights the tension between free speech and the protection of individual reputations within Nigeria’s legal framework.