Court Dismisses Defamation Case Against Dele Farotimi

The Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti has struck out a defamation case against human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi. The lawsuit, filed by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, stemmed from allegations made by Aare Afe Babalola (SAN), founder of Afe Babalola University, regarding statements in Farotimi’s book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.

Babalola, however, announced on Sunday that he had forgiven Farotimi and intended to withdraw the case. His decision followed interventions from the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and other traditional rulers.

During Wednesday’s court session, prosecuting counsel Samson Osobu informed the court that a notice of discontinuance had been filed under Section 108(1)(2)(a) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015. He requested that the charge be struck out, stating that Babalola no longer wished to pursue the case.

Defense counsel A. Olumide Fusika (SAN) did not oppose the withdrawal. Presiding judge Justice Babs Kuewumi then ruled in favor of striking out the case, bringing the legal proceedings to an end.