A Magistrate Court in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, has ordered the remand of human rights lawyer, Mr. Dele Farotimi, in prison custody following the adjournment of his bail application ruling to December 20, 2024.
The case stems from allegations by legal luminary Aare Afe Babalola, who accused Farotimi of defamation in his book, Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System.
At Tuesday’s hearing, the police prosecuting counsel, Mr. Samson Osobu, presented an amended 14-count charge against Farotimi.
Defence’s Plea for Bail
Farotimi’s defence counsel, Mr. Taiwo Adeniji, urged the court to grant bail, arguing that the alleged offence is bailable under Nigerian law. Adeniji emphasized Farotimi’s status as a lawyer with 25 years of experience and a known address, citing Section 36(5) of the Nigerian Constitution and Article 6 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights to support the application.
However, the prosecuting counsel opposed the bail application.
Courtroom Drama
Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika initially announced his appearance for the defendant. However, the prosecuting counsel objected, citing legal provisions to challenge his participation. The court eventually ruled that Olumide-Fusika should step down, allowing another lawyer to take over the defence.
Both parties argued their cases extensively, presenting legal authorities and counter-affidavits on the bail application.
Adjournment
After over two and a half hours of deliberations, Chief Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun adjourned the case, reserving the ruling on Farotimi’s bail application for December 20, 2024.
Farotimi will remain in custody until the next hearing.
