The Ekiti State Police Command has filed fresh charges against Lagos-based human rights advocate Dele Farotimi. Farotimi, arrested in Lagos and brought to Ado-Ekiti, faces trial for allegedly defaming legal luminary and founder of Afe Babalola University, Afe Babalola, in his book Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System.
The book claims Babalola influenced Supreme Court judgments to benefit clients, sparking legal action and a press briefing by Babalola's lawyers in Ado-Ekiti on Friday.
The newly filed 12-count charge at a federal high court in Ado-Ekiti revolves around accusations of cybercrime. According to the charge, on August 28, 2024, Farotimi allegedly disseminated false information during an online interview on the Mic On podcast with Seun Okinbaloye, hosted on his YouTube channel.
He reportedly stated that “Aare Afe Babalola corrupted the judiciary,” knowing this statement to be untrue, which is said to be an effort to incite a breakdown of law and order.
This action is reportedly in violation of Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act of 2015, as amended.
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