Human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi has been remanded in prison for allegedly defaming a legal luminary and founder of Afe Babalola University, Aare Afe Babalola, SAN.
The Daily Crucible reports that Farotimi was arraigned earlier before a Magistrate Court in Ado Ekiti on Monday.
The activist’s recently published book, ‘Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System,’ was said to contain materials deemed defaming and injurious to defaming the character of Chief Afe Babalola.
However, Farotimi pleaded not guilty to all the 16 – count -charge but the police prosecutor, Samson Osun asked the court to remand the activist in prison custody pending further investigation and its outcome for the maintenance of security in the country.
However, counsel for the defendant, Dayo Akeredolu opposed the motion, pleading with the court to admit the defendant to bail on very liberal terms and on self-recognition.
He argued that the case at hand is bailable and the suspect is a known figure who is not constituting any threat.
He said the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
In his ruling, the presiding judge, Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun remanded the suspect in prison custody and adjourned till December 10.
