* For allegedly defaming Afe Babalola
Human rights lawyer and activist, Dele Farotimi, has been remanded in prison for allegedly defaming his senior colleague and founder of Afe Babalola University, Aare Afe Babalola (SAN).
Farotimi, who was arrested in Lagos on Tuesday by operatives of the Ekiti State Police Command, was brought to the court at about 10:25am on Wednesday.
He was accused of maligning and defaming the character of Afe Babalola in his recently published book: ‘Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System’.
Farotimi pleaded not guilty to all the sixteen count charges.
Police prosecutor, Samson Osun called 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 call, pleading with the court to admit the defendant to bail on very liberal terms and on self-recognisance.
According to him, 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.
However, in his ruling, the presiding judge, Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun remanded the activist in prison custody and adjourned the case to December 10.