BREAKING: Dele Farotimi Faces 12 New Charges In Defamation Case

The Nigerian Police have filed 12 additional charges against prominent human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi at the Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, intensifying his legal battle over allegations of cybercrime.

Farotimi, who was arrested in Lagos on Tuesday and transferred to Ekiti State, first appeared before the court on Wednesday.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the charges stem from allegations brought forward by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and legal icon, Afe Babalola, under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015.

Fresh charges were filed on Friday, reportedly to delay Farotimi’s bail application and extend his detention. According to Sahara Reporters, the new charges focus on alleged defamatory statements made during an online interview and in connection with a book authored by Farotimi titled Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.

One of the charges accuses Farotimi of knowingly transmitting false information during an August 28, 2024, interview on the Mic On Podcast hosted by Seun Okinbaloye. In the interview, Farotimi allegedly claimed that Chief Afe Babalola “corrupted the judiciary,” a statement deemed false and intended to incite disorder. This allegation violates Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes Act.

Another charge claims Farotimi used the same statement to bully and harass Afe Babalola, which contravenes Section 24(a) of the Act.

Further, the police allege that during a December 2, 2024, press conference streamed on his YouTube channel, Farotimi made comments accusing Chief Babalola of orchestrating the legal actions against him in Ekiti State.

The case has sparked widespread debate, with many activists and legal experts describing the charges as an attempt to suppress dissent and silence criticism of powerful figures. Farotimi, known for his strong advocacy for justice and human rights, has not publicly commented on the recent charges.

The legal battle is expected to attract significant attention as it unfolds, with implications for freedom of speech and judicial accountability in Nigeria.

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