Human rights lawyer and writer Dele Farotimi has arrived at Ekiti Magistrate Court for a hearing of alleged defamation charges against him.
Bellnews reports that security is heightened at the venue of the court, with operatives of the Nigerian Police and other security agencies present.
The human rights lawyer was arrested following a petition by Chief Afe Babalola (SAN). Farotimi is accused of publishing defamatory statements in his book, “Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System.” The court is set to rule on his bail application.
The charge suit, number MAD/1,476.C/2024, pits the Ekiti State Commissioner of Police as the complainant against Farotimi as the defendant.
According to the charge sheet, Farotimi allegedly stated that Afe Babalola corrupted the Supreme Court to procure a fraudulent judgment. The statement was deemed likely to cause fear and alarm to the public or disturb the public peace.
Policemen and security operatives were stationed at strategic locations within the court premises. The magistrate is expected to rule on Farotimi’s bail application. This comes after the court denied bail to Farotimi on December 4, 2024.