In a recent development at the Federal High Court in Ado Ekiti, a defamation lawsuit filed by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, against activist lawyer, Dele Farotimi, was struck out. The lawsuit was based on comments made by Farotimi in connection to his book, Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System, specifically regarding Afe Babalola University’s founder, Aare Afe Babalola.
During the court session, the complainant’s counsel, Samson Osobu, informed the court of the prosecution’s decision to withdraw the case, citing Section 108(1)(2)(a) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015. The request to withdraw the charges was granted by the court without opposition from the defendant’s counsel, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN).
Following the withdrawal, Justice Babs Kuewumi officially struck out the case. It was mentioned that the decision to withdraw the lawsuit was influenced by interventions from concerned individuals and a request from Afe Babalola himself.
After the ruling, Olumide-Fusika stated that the case in Ado Ekiti had been concluded but refrained from commenting on related matters in various courts. He also mentioned advising Farotimi against speaking to the press on the issue.
The withdrawal of the lawsuit came after the intervention of notable traditional rulers, with Afe Babalola announcing his decision to instruct his lawyers to drop the defamation charges against Farotimi.