Dele Farotimi faces 12-count cybercrime charges following Afe Babalola’s allegations

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has leveled new charges against human rights advocate Dele Farotimi.

The case, comprising a 12-count charge, was filed on Friday, December 6, at the Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State’s capital.

The allegations primarily center on offenses related to cybercrime.

Count one of the counts reads: “That you Dele Farotimi  on 28th August 2024 knowingly and intentionally transmitted communication in an online interview on Mic On Podcast by Seun Okinbaloye on your YouTube Channel  in respect of a book authored and published by you titled: “Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System” wherein you stated in the interview that: “Aare Afe Babalola corrupted the judiciary” which you know to be false information for the purpose of causing the breakdown of law and order thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 24(1) (b) of Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act 2015 as amended.”

On Tuesday, December 3, Dele Farotimi was apprehended in Lagos by officers from the Ekiti State Police Command on charges of defamation and cyberbullying.

The arrest followed a petition filed by Afe Babalola, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), leading to the charges. Farotimi was subsequently arraigned at the Ekiti Magistrate Court on a 16-count defamation charge.

The court ordered Farotimi to be remanded in prison custody pending a hearing on his bail application scheduled for December 10.

Babalola’s legal team stated that Farotimi would be released once he can prove his innocence regarding the defamatory claims against the SAN.

During a press conference on Friday, December 6, Babalola’s lawyers, Owoseni Ajayi, Olakanmi Falade, and Lawrence Fasanmi, explained that the police’s decision to charge Farotimi was a necessary step in ensuring the law takes its course.

Ajayi further emphasized that the press conference aimed to clarify misleading reports about the ongoing case between Farotimi and the police.

“All facts are verifiable. I urge Nigerians to verify and find out what the truth is first before picking a side,” he said.

“Is it wrong for Aare Afe Babalola to seek justice for these false utterances against him? Should justice only be available to Dele Farotimi because Aare Afe Babalola is a global icon?

“Once Dele Farotimi can show proof that his assertions in the book are true, then he will be free.

“The law allows free speech, but not one that is calculated to injure the good reputation of another.”