A Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday ordered remand of human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi in Ado-Ekiti prison pending determination of his bail application.
The trial Chief Magistrate fixed ruling in the matter for December 20, 2024.
It would be recalled that legal luminary, Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, had accused Farotimi of defaming him in his book entitled, “Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System.””
Police prosecuting counsel, Mr. Samson Osobu substituted amended 14 counts charges against the human rights lawyer at the adjourned hearing on Tuesday.
The defence counsel, Mr. Taiwo Adeniji urged the court to admit the defendant to bail, saying the alleged offence is bailable.
According to him, the defendant is a lawyer of 25 years standing with verifiable addresses, saying what is important is application for the bail of his client.
The application for bail was premised on Section 36(5) of the Constitution of the FRN 1999, Art 6 African charter and Peoples rights.
The prosecuting counsel objected to the bail application.
Earlier, Mr Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN), who had earlier informed the court of his appearance for the defendant was opposed by the prosecuting counsel, who quoted different sections of the laws and authority to back up his argument.
The court held that the learned silk should step down for another lawyer to continue the case.
Both counsel again canvassed different authorities to back up their points on the bail application as the Chief Magistrate adjourned until another date for ruling on their positions and counter affidavit.
After over two and half hours, the Chief Magistrate, Mr. Abayomi Adeosun adjourned for ruling on the bail application to December 20.
