JUST IN: Police File 13 New Charges Against Activist Dele Farotimi Over Alleged Defamation of Afe Babalola

The police have filed 13 additional counts of criminal defamation against activist and author Dele Farotimi following his recent online press conference. The charges, detailed in court filings seen by Peoples Gazette, stem from allegations that Mr. Farotimi defamed Afe Babalola, a prominent nonagenarian lawyer, during a December 2 YouTube broadcast where he accused Mr. Babalola of orchestrating his arrest.

The December 2 press briefing, according to the police, was an attempt to intimidate and tarnish the reputation of Mr. Babalola. The legal veteran had earlier taken action against Mr. Farotimi, resulting in the activist’s arrest on Tuesday and subsequent arraignment in Ekiti on Wednesday. The police presented 16 defamation counts during that session, and the case was adjourned for a bail hearing scheduled for December 6.

In his YouTube statement, Mr. Farotimi alleged that Mr. Babalola was targeting him due to his recently published book, which accuses the senior lawyer of engaging in judicial malpractice over decades. Mr. Babalola has denied all allegations of corruption and judicial misconduct, dismissing the claims as baseless.

The case has drawn widespread criticism, with many Nigerians and legal professionals expressing concern over the use of state resources to silence dissent. Critics argue that the involvement of the police in a private defamation matter reflects an abuse of power, particularly in light of the police’s history of being leveraged by influential individuals to suppress critics.

The situation intensified on Friday when the police unveiled 13 new charges against Mr. Farotimi. The updated criminal complaint, filed under FHC/AD/CR/104/2024, cites Mr. Farotimi’s alleged defamatory remarks during a podcast hosted by journalist Seun Okinbaloye and on his YouTube channel.

As of Friday afternoon, it was unclear whether Mr. Farotimi had been officially served with the latest charges. The legal battle continues to polarize public opinion, with mounting pressure on Mr. Babalola to reconsider his actions, which many view as a direct affront to free speech.

More to follow…….