Tensions flared on Tuesday at the Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State as supporters of human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi and legal luminary Aare Afe Babalola (SAN) clashed.
Babalola earlier filed a defamation suit against Farotimi over alleged defamatory statements in his book, Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System.
Supporters of both sides engaged in a heated shouting match, with some nearly coming to blows on the court premises. While human rights activists expressed displeasure at the bail ruling delay, Babalola’s supporters accused them of disrespecting the elder statesman and warned against disrupting the peace in Ekiti State.
Despite earlier calls for a protest by the activists, no demonstrations took place on Tuesday.
The courtroom was packed with lawyers and journalists, while many others gathered outside to observe proceedings through the windows.
Arriving at the court premises around 9:49 today, Tuesday, December 10, Dele Farotimi was accompanied by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad of the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Correctional Center.
Dele Farotimi is alleged to have maligned Chief Afe Babalola’s reputation in his recently published book titled, “Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.”
Afe Babalola had considered aspects of the 104-page book, ‘Nigeria and its Criminal Justice’ authored by Farotimi, as defaming him and petitioned the Police to take action.
The Federal High Court in Ado Ekiti, on Monday, granted bail to the defendant, in the suit filed by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun against him over alleged cybercrime.
At the commencement of proceedings, the prosecution challenged the appearance of the defendant’s lead counsel, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN), before the Magistrate Court on the basis that “a SAN should not appear in a lower court.”
Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun adjourned his ruling on this objection to a later date.
The Senior Advocate subsequently stepped down from the proceedings paving the way for the other lawyers present with him in court to continue their representation for the defendant.
The team now has Taiwo Adedeji, Ayodele Ademiluyi and Mayowa Omojola representing the defendant, Dele Farotimi.
The prosecution has also served the defendant, Dele Farotimi, with an amended charge, which reduces the initial 16 counts to 14 counts.
The defendant has pleaded not guilty to the charge.
After his plea, the court then listened to arguments for and against the bail application of the defendant.
After which Magistrate Adeosun reserved his ruling on the application for bail to Friday, December 20, 2024.