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IGP Files 13 New Charges Against Dele Farotimi
The police have filed 13 new counts of criminal defamation against activist Dele Farotimi, accusing him of holding a press conference online where he detailed a plot to arrest him. The charges were filed on Friday, according to documents seen by Peoples Gazette.
The police stated that the December 2, 2024, press briefing on YouTube was an attempt to bully and defame Afe Babalola, a senior lawyer who had Farotimi arrested on Tuesday and remanded in prison following an initial arraignment on Wednesday.
These new charges represent the latest escalation in a case that has caused division within legal circles nationwide. It appears that Babalola is unwilling to back down, despite concerns that his actions could damage his legacy and are seen as an attack on free speech.
During the press conference, Farotimi detailed how Babalola was targeting him over his book, released in July 2024, which alleges that Babalola engaged in judicial corruption over several decades. Babalola has denied all allegations of bribing judges and corruption.
Babalola’s decision to involve the police, who are often seen as being used by the powerful against ordinary citizens, has drawn significant criticism. Many Nigerians view the 95-year-old’s actions as oppressive and have increased pressure both domestically and internationally for him to cease his pursuit of Farotimi.
Farotimi was arrested in Lagos on Tuesday and transported to Ekiti. The police initially charged him with 16 counts of criminal defamation on Wednesday, with a bail hearing scheduled for December 6.
On Friday, Peoples Gazette received court documents indicating 13 new charges against Farotimi, accusing him of disparaging Babalola during a podcast appearance with journalist Seun Okinbaloye and on his own YouTube channel.
The criminal complaint, marked FHC/AD/CR/104/2024, was addressed to Farotimi, but it was unclear whether he had been served as of Friday afternoon.
IN THE FEDERAL HIGH COURT OF NIGERIA
IN THE ADO-EKITI JUDICIAL DIVISION
HOLDEN AT ADO-EKITI
Charge No. FFC/AD/OR/104/2024
INSPECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE COMPLAINANT
VS DEFENDANT
DELE FAROTIMI “56 YEARS”
CHARGE
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 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4USuxBfZCOA) 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 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.
COUNT II: 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 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4USuxBfZCQA) 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” with the intention of bullying and harassing the named persons thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 24 (a) of Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act 2015 as amended.
COUNT III: That you Dele Farotimi ‘m’ on 2nd December, 2024 intentionally sent a message in the course of a press conference held on Online on your YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0k6HzdQXLEk) where you stated that: “It came to my knowledge that there is a charge preferred before a court in Ekiti State against me at the instance of Chief Afe Babalola. This Charge has been fraudulently preferred, hidden from view and the court had purportedly demanded my presence multiple times, and I failed to appear before the court, and this Court had then proceeded to issue a bench warrant for my arrest.
This is classic Afe Babalola. I detailed his corruptive influence in my book titled: Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System, which you know to contain false information for the purpose of causing breakdown of law and order, thereby committing an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 24(1)(b) of Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015 as amended.
COUNT IV: That you, Dele Farotimi ‘m’, on 2nd December 2024, intentionally sent a message in the course of a press conference held online on your YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ok6HzdQXLEk) where you stated that:
“It came to my knowledge that there is a charge preferred before a court in Ekiti State against me at the instance of Chief Afe Babalola. This charge has been fraudulently preferred, hidden from view, and the court had purportedly demanded my presence multiple times, and I failed to appear before the court, and this Court had then proceeded to issue a bench warrant for my arrest. This is classic Afe Babalola. I detailed his corruptive influence in my book titled: Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System.”
With the intention of bullying and harassing the named persons, you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 24(a) of Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015 as amended.
COUNT V: 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 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4USuxBfZCQA) in respect of a book authored and published by you titled: Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System, wherein you stated in the interview that:
“If Aare Afe Babalola is the only person licensed to enjoy that level of impunity, that is different.”
With the intention of bullying and harassing the named persons, you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 24(a) of Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015 as amended.
COUNT VI: 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 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4USuxBfZCQA) in respect of a book authored and published by you titled: Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System, wherein you stated that:
“And in corrupting the judiciary…
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has stepped in to call for immediate action in the case of Segun Olowookere, an indigene who was sentenced to death for stealing a fowl.
Recall Segun’s mother, Folashade Olowookere, emotionally shared the story of her son, who is currently imprisoned, during an interview on Nollywood actress Biola Adebayo’s YouTube podcast. The video gained significant attention, including from Governor Adeleke.
Naijablitznews reports this was contained in a statement from the Governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke directed a swift investigation and ordered that steps be taken for a potential pardon in Segun’s case. The Governor further instructed the Attorney General to ensure Segun is considered for the prerogative of mercy before the year ends.
The statement read, “I have reviewed the case and acknowledge the importance of the separation of powers in our democracy. In this instance, I have instructed the Commissioner for Justice to begin the process of granting mercy to this young man.
“Osun is a state of justice and fairness. We must uphold the protection of lives and ensure equity.
“I want to assure the public that this matter is receiving my personal attention, and we are acting with urgency as a responsible government.”
The Delta State House of Assembly, on Tuesday, recalled two of its members that were suspended in November over alleged gross misconduct.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the recall was announced during plenary in Asaba by the Speaker, Mr Dennis Guwor.
Recall that the Assembly had on November 6 suspended Mr Dafe Chukudi (PDP-Ukwuani) for 14 legislative days over alleged gross misconduct, while Mr Oboro Preyor (PDP-Bomadi) was also suspended for 14 legislative days for the same offense on November 12.
“Dear colleagues, following the allegation of gross misconduct against our suspended members and subsequently, a committee on investigation headed by the Deputy Speaker, Mr Arthur Akpowowo, was set up.
“The committee has commenced investigation. However, the 14 days that they were suspended has elapsed. And by the confidence you all reposed in me as the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, and now that the 14 days of their suspension has elapsed, there is need to recall Mr Dafe Chukudi and Mr Oboro Preyor to resume their duties as members going forward.
“The suspended members are hereby recalled pending on the outcome of their investigative committee.”
Meanwhile, the Deputy Speaker, Mr Arthur Akpowowo, expressed joy over the recall of the lawmakers, saying, “I am very happy that we have lifted their suspension.
“The Speaker has recalled them so that they can celebrate the Christmas with joy and even enter the New Year with some relief of happiness. For me, this is a party gift for me even though I’m not affected.”
By Gloria Ikibah
Ahead of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s presentation of the 2025 Appropriation Bill to a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives at 12 noon today, there is tight security at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.
As early as 6.00 a.m., operatives of the Department of State Security (DSS) and other security agencies, including the Police, Civil Defence, Federal Road Safety Corps, and Sergeant-at-Arms, were stationed at the gates and within the premises to ensure order and safety during the event.
Naijablitznews.com reports that staff of the National Assembly were directed to stay home, except those required for the event, who were instructed to report before 8.00 a.m., according to a memo issued by the Director of Human Resources and Staff Development.
Senators and House members were seen arriving at the Green Chamber, where the joint session is scheduled to take place. On Tuesday, during a closed-door plenary, the House of Representatives followed the tradition of moving a motion to allow non-members into the chamber for the session.
Naijablitznews.com recalled that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved an estimated expenditure of N47.96 trillion for the 2025 fiscal year during its meeting on Monday.
Meanwhile, business activities within the National Assembly complex, including banking and food services, have been suspended following directives from the Assembly’s management. Only those on an approved list, including staff, media personnel, and members of the press corps, are allowed access after identification at the gate.
The joint session will be presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas.
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