By Abiola Olawale
An Ado-Ekiti Magistrate court in Ekiti State on Wednesday granted an order to remand a popular human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi in the detention facility of the police.
The order came after Farotimi was arraigned before the court over an alleged case of defamation against Aare Afe Babalola SAN the founder of Afe Babalola University.
Farotimi was brought before the court of the Ekiti State Police Command on Wednesday morning.
The activist is facing a 16-count charge of defamation stemming from allegations that he maligned Babalola’s reputation in his recently published book titled Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.
However, Farotimi pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to him during court proceedings.
Following the development, the legal counsel to the Police, Samson Osun, prayed the court 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 self-recognisance cause. Akeredolu also maintained that the case is bailable and the suspect is a known figure who does not constitute any threat.
He argued that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.However, in his ruling, the presiding Magistrate, Abayomi Adeosun, remanded the suspect in prison custody and adjourned the hearing till December 10.
