…as support groups clash
A Magistrate court sitting in Ado Ekiti, presided over by Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun has adjourned sitting in the case of defamation against a human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi.
Until then, the defendant is to remain in prison custody.
Farotimi was arraigned for allegedly publishing a book “Nigeria and it’s Criminal Justice System where he alleged that Aare Afe Babalola corrupted the Judiciary and procured judgements in the supreme court there by exposing him to hatred, contempt, ridicule and damage his hard earn career.
The suspect Dele Farotimi pleaded not guilty to all the sixteen count charge but was remanded in prison custody for his counsel to prepare a proper bail application.
Appearing before the court, the police prosecutor Samson Osobu amended the charge against the defendant and objected the bail application on the excuse that Farotimi would jump bail.
Though, counsel to the defendant argued that his client is presumed innocent until proven guilty adding that the case before the court is bailable, the presiding judge, Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun ordered that Farotimi be remanded in prison custody and adjourned till December 20.
Meanwhile, there was a hot altercation between supporters of the defendant and some persons loyal to the plaintiff after the court ruling.
Apparently not satisfied with the decision of the court, some activist who came in solidarity with Farotimi rejected the court decision in verbal protest but a matching response from some other persons loyal to Afe Babalola thus constituting a heated atmosphere.
Noticeable are some suspected thugs who were also seen within the court premises hoping to launch attack but were also raided and sent out by security agents.
