February 13, (THEWILL) – A Chief Magistrate’s Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, on Thursday, struck out a defamation case against human rights lawyer and activist, Dele Farotimi, following the withdrawal of charges by the prosecution.
The case, which was filed by the police on behalf of renowned legal luminary and founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Afe Babalola (SAN), stemmed from allegations that Farotimi defamed Babalola in his recently published book, *Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.
THEWILL recalls that Farotimi was arrested in Lagos on December 3, 2024, by operatives of the Ekiti State Police Command and was subsequently granted N30 million bail by the court.
However, during Thursday’s hearing, the prosecution, led by Martins Akala, informed the court of its decision to withdraw from the case.
“The matter is slated for hearing today. However, we seek the leave of the court to withdraw the pending charges against the defendant on the instruction of the police authority,”Akala, who heads the legal department of the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), told the court.
Lead counsel to the defence, Adejare Kembi, did not oppose the prosecution’s withdrawal.
Magistrate Adeosun, in his ruling, consequently struck out the case, stating, “The charge is hereby struck out.”
Speaking to journalists after the ruling, Kembi welcomed the decision.
“The case was struck out based on the prosecution’s application. They brought us here, and now they have asked us to go. They have just removed the chain they put on us—why should we complain?” he said.
This development comes after a similar defamation case against Farotimi was dismissed by the Federal High Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti on January 29, following the prosecution’s withdrawal.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
