Farotimi was taken to court by the Nigeria Police Force in 2024 after Babalola accused him of defamation over claims made in his book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.
By Deborah Hassan
365Daily – The Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti has struck out the criminal defamation case against human rights activist, Dele Farotimi, following a notice of discontinuance filed by the prosecution.
Justice Babs Kuewumi dismissed the suit on Wednesday, January 29, 2025 after prosecuting counsel, Mr. Samson Osobu, informed the court that the complainant, legal luminary Aare Afe Babalola (SAN), had decided to withdraw the case.
Farotimi was taken to court by the Nigeria Police Force in 2024 after Babalola accused him of defamation over claims made in his book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.
However, Babalola, founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, later announced his decision to forgive Farotimi. His decision came after interventions from the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and other prominent traditional rulers.
Citing Section 108(1)(2)(a) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, the prosecution confirmed Babalola’s intention to drop the case. The defense counsel, Mr. A. Olumide Fusika (SAN), raised no objections.
Following these developments, Justice Kuewumi ruled to strike out the suit, bringing the matter to a close.