Human rights lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi appeared at the Ekiti Magistrate Court on Friday, December 20, amidst tight security, over charges of alleged defamation brought against him by renowned lawyer Chief Afe Babalola (SAN).
The case stems from a passage in Farotimi’s book, “Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System,” in which he alleged that Babalola “corrupted the Supreme Court to procure a fraudulent judgment.”
The charges, as filed under suit no. MAD/1,476.C/2024, were described as an offense contrary to Section 59(1) of the Criminal Code Act.
The court, heavily guarded by law enforcement agents, is set to rule on Farotimi’s bail application.
While the allegations have sparked debates about freedom of expression and accountability, Farotimi’s presence signals his readiness to confront the legal battle.
The contentious statement from his book reads: “That Aare Afe Babalola corrupted the Supreme Court to procure a fraudulent judgment in the service of his clients,” an assertion that has raised significant public and legal scrutiny.
