.As Atiku demands his immediate release
Cyril Mbah with agency reports
An Ado-Ekiti Magistrate court on Wednesday remanded a Lagos based human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi over an alleged case of defamation against Aare Afe Babalola (SAN).
Farotimi, who was arrested at his chamber in Lagos on Tuesday by officers from Ekiti State Police Command, was arraigned for allegedly publishing a book “Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System where he alleged that Aare Afe Babalola corrupted the Judiciary and procured judgements in the supreme court.
Babalola, founder of Afe Babalola University alleged that the book by Farotimi exposed him to hatred, contempt, ridicule and damage his hard-earned career.
The suspect, Farotimi pleaded not guilty to all the sixteen count charge.
Police prosecutor, Samson Osun called for the remand of the suspect in prison custody pending further investigation and its outcome for the maintenance of security in the country.
Counsel to the defendant, Dayo Akeredolu opposed the remand call and pleaded with the court to admit the defendant to bail on very liberal terms and on self recognition because the case at hand is bailable and the suspect is a known figure who is not constituting any threat .
He said the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
In his ruling, the presiding Magistrate, Abayomi Adeosun remanded the suspect in prison custody and adjourned hearing till December 10.
Meanwhile Former Vice President of Nigeria and Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party on the 2023 general election Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has unequivocally condemned the arrest and detention of lawyer and human rights advocate, Dele Farotimi by the Police, early this week.
Ín a statement issued by his Media Aide, Paul Ibe on Wednesday, Atiku said that the arrest “serves as a grim reminder of the dark days of military dictatorship when the iron fist of tyranny sought to crush all dissent.
“I am made aware that Dele is being accused of defamation — an offense that, under normal circumstances, should not warrant the involvement of law enforcement. The Police’s intervention in such matters is nothing less than the use of a sledgehammer to swat a fly, an overreach of unimaginable proportions.”
The former vice president said the ” “alarming trend, particularly the recent abduction — or rather, the arrest — of Dele Farotimi, is emblematic of this administration’s insidious agenda to suffocate the fundamental right to free expression.
“The aim is clear: to intimidate and harass citizens, particularly those who oppose the regime and the press, thus paving the way for the establishment of a one-party state. “It is imperative to remind the Tinubu administration that these repeated acts of arrest stand in direct contradiction to the principles of democracy.
“Freedom of speech and association are not privileges but constitutionally enshrined rights. If anyone feels wronged by defamatory words, they are free to seek redress in the courts, not at the hands of the state’s enforcers.
“It is an appalling abuse of power to use the Police as a tool for personal vendettas. In 2019, I was defamed. I did not involve the Police to flex muscles and intimidate the defaming citizen, but I took the case to court where I am currently seeking reliefs for the injuries to my name and integrity. Therefore, I call for the immediate, unconditional release of Dele Farotimi,” Atiku declared.
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