Human rights lawyer and activist, Dele Farotimi, has been remanded in prison custody over alleged defamation of legal luminary, Chief Afe Babalola (SAN).
Farotimi, who was arraigned before an Ado-Ekiti Magistrates Court on a 16-count charge by the police, however, pleaded not guilty to all the offences.
Ruling on the bail application by Mr Dayo Akeredolu, Counsel to the defendant, the trial Magistrate, Mr Abayomi Adeosun ordered the remand of Farotimi in prison custody.
He subsequently adjourned the case until Dec. 10 for further hearing.
Earlier, Police prosecutor, Samson Osun told the court that the defendant committed the offences sometime in the year.
According to him, Farotimi published a book titled ‘Nigeria and it’s Criminal Justice System’ which impugned the character of Babalola, the founder of Afe Babalola University in Ado-Ekiti.
Osun said that Farotimi in the publication alleged “Aare Afe Babalola corrupted the supreme court to procure a fraudulent judgment in the service of his clients ” .
The prosecutor said that the allegation was false and had injured the reputation of Babalola by exposing him to hatred, contempt, ridicule and damage him in his profession.
He said that the book was widely read across the world including Ekiti, hence the arraignment of the defendant in the state.
Osun said that the offence contravened and was punishable under Sections 59(1) and 375 of the Criminal Code Act.
He urged the court to remand the defendant in prison custody pending further investigation and it’s outcome for the maintenance of security in the country.
Akeredolu opposed the prayer of the prosecution for the remand of his client.
He pleaded with the court to admit the defendant to bail on very liberal terms and on self recognisance, saying the charges were bailable offences
Akeredolu said the defendant was a first offender and presumed innocent until proven guilty. (NAN)
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