Farotimi Defamation Case Struck Out Following Afe Babalola’s Request
The Federal High Court in Ado Ekiti has officially struck out the defamation lawsuit filed by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, against activist lawyer Dele Farotimi. The suit, which stemmed from Farotimi’s comments in an interview about his book Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System, particularly concerning Afe Babalola, the founder of Afe Babalola University, was formally withdrawn by the prosecution.
Prosecution Withdraws Charges Following Requests for Discontinuance
At the court hearing, the complainant’s counsel, Samson Osobu, informed the judge that the prosecution had filed a notice of discontinuance earlier that morning. He cited Section 108(1)(2)(a) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 as the legal basis for the withdrawal, explaining that the decision followed interventions by prominent Nigerians and a request from Afe Babalola himself to drop the case.
“The prosecution, with the leave of this honourable court, seeks to withdraw the charge against the defendant and pray that the charge be struck out,” Osobu stated.
Defendant’s Counsel Does Not Oppose Case Withdrawal
The defendant’s counsel, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN), did not oppose the withdrawal, and Justice Babs Kuewumi subsequently struck out the case. The judge declared, “This case is hereby struck out,” marking the official conclusion of the matter in Ado Ekiti.
Defamation Suit Withdrawal Follows Intervention of Traditional Rulers
After the ruling, Olumide-Fusika declined to comment on other related legal matters pending in various courts, including those in Lagos, Ibadan, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Ado Ekiti. He also advised his client, Farotimi, against making public statements on the issue.
The decision to withdraw the defamation charges follows the intervention of several prominent traditional rulers, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi. This move came just after Afe Babalola himself announced that he would instruct his legal team to withdraw the charges against Farotimi.
