The founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola, has challenged human rights activist, Dele Farotimi to prove allegations of corruption that he levelled against him
If that is done, Babalola disclosed that Farotimi who was recently remanded by an Ekiti magistrate court, will be freed from prison.
Trouble started when Farotimi was arrested in Lagos on Tuesday, December 3, 2024 by officers attached to the Ekiti state police command over alleged defamation and cyberbullying.
READ ALSO: Afe Babalola Accuses Dele Farotimi Of Defamation In Recent Book
Following his arrest, the activist was arraigned on a 16-count charge at the Ekiti magistrate court over alleged defamation.
The court remanded Farotimi in prison
Farotimi alleged that Afe Babalola corrupted the judiciary system of the country in a book.
Addressing journalists in Ado-Ekiti, Afe Babalola, represented by the head of his legal team, Owoseni Ajayi, urged Nigerians to seek the truth before throwing their weight behind Farotimi.
“Is it wrong for Aare Afe Babalola to seek justice for these false utterances against him? Should justice only be available to Mr Dele Farotimi because Aare Afe Babalola is a global icon? Once Mr Dele Farotimi can show proof that his assertions in the book are true, then he will be free,” Owoseni said.
READ ALSO: Mr. Macaroni Condemns Arrest Of Dele Farotimi, Demands Accountability
“Until then, the law allows free speech, but not one that is calculated to injure the good reputation of another.”
He urged, “Nigerians to verify and find out what the truth is first before picking a side,” saying “All facts are verifiable”.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has filed fresh cybercrime charges against the embattled human rights advocate.
The 12-count charge filed before a federal high court in Ado-Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti state, on Friday borders on cybercrime allegations.
Count one of the counts reads: “That you Dele Farotimi ‘m’ on 28th August 2024 knowingly and intentionally transmitted communication in an online interview on Mic On Podcast by Seun Okinbaloye on your YouTube Channel (http://youtube.com/watch?v=4USuxB…) 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.”
