A Magistrates’ Court in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, has refused to grant bail to human rights activist and author, Dele Farotimi, in a defamation case filed by senior lawyer, Aare Afé Babalola.
The court session, which lasted over three hours on Monday, ended with Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun denying the bail application and ordering Farotimi to remain in custody. The case was adjourned until December 20, with the judge stating that a decision on whether Farotimi could face trial under house arrest would be made at a later date.
Lead counsel for Afé Babalola, Owoseeni Ajayi, announced during the proceedings that the charges against the defendant had been updated.
Outside the courtroom, tensions ran high. Activist Comrade Kehinde Steven expressed frustration over the denial of bail, accusing the complainant of using undue influence in the matter. Another activist, Tunde Ajofoyinbo, voiced concerns about the growing number of protesters gathering near the courthouse, emphasizing the need to maintain public order and uphold the rule of law in Ekiti State.
After the hearing, a clash broke out between Farotimi’s supporters and those aligned with Afé Babalola, adding to the tense atmosphere surrounding the case.
