VIDEO: How Dele Farotimi appears in Ekiti magistrate court over defamation suit

Prominent human rights lawyer and activist, Dele Farotimi, was brought before the Magistrate Court in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, to face criminal defamation charges filed by renowned legal luminary, Chief Afe Babalola (SAN).

Farotimi, who had been in custody at the Ado-Ekiti Correctional Centre since his arraignment the previous week, arrived at the court dressed casually in a black T-shirt and blue jeans, accompanied by prison officials.

Watch the video below;

https://x.com/thecableng/status/1866413386659189230?t=4EVqJ2Vm-ZeEPCpKw5KZ7g&s=19

The charges against Farotimi stem from statements in his book, Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System, where he allegedly accused Babalola of exerting undue influence on Supreme Court judges. Babalola, taking exception to specific passages in the 104-page publication, deemed the remarks defamatory and initiated legal action.

Farotimi’s case has sparked significant public interest, with many closely monitoring proceedings to see how the court addresses the intersection of free speech, activism, and legal redress. Further hearings are expected as both sides present their arguments.