News
Farotimi urges court To strike out defamation suit
Legal practitioner, Dele Farotimi, has filed a preliminary objection asking the Ado Ekiti Magistrate Court to strike out the defamation charge against him.
Farotimi filed the preliminary injection ahead of Tuesday’s hearing.
The suit dated December 9, 2024, was filed through his lawyer, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN) leading 19 others.
In the five grounds of the objection, Farotimi contends that the charge before the magistrate court is unknown to law, non-existent and that the magistrate acted without jurisdiction on an incompetent charge.
Specifically, the five grounds of the application are that the 16 count charge before the magistrate court refers to alleged offences contrary to and punishable under the ”Criminal Code Act”.
He stated that the Criminal Code Act was a law applicable by adoption and/or domestication in Ekiti State of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as the Criminal Code Law, Cap. C16. Laws of Ekiti, 2012.
He noted that the Criminal Code Law, Cap. C16, Laws of Ekiti, 2012 has been replaced and expressly repealed by Section 429 (a) of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021.
The objection pointed out that the crime of defamation of Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, OFR, and two of his partners, Olu Daramola, SAN, Olu Faro and the law firm of Afe Babalola & Co., alleged and particularised in all said counts of the Charge, and upon which the Defendant was arraigned and unwittingly ordered detained in prison by the – Honourable Magistrate, is unknown to and are non-existent in the Críminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021.
“Also, in the premise, the Honourable Magistrate acted without jurisdiction when he countenanced the Charge, allowed the arraignment of the Defendant, and ordered his detention in prison upon the said incompetent charge.”
Farotimi was arrested on and charged to court on a 16 counts of criminal defamation, following the publication of his book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.
The book allegedly defamed Afe Babalola (SAN), accusing him of corruption in a long-standing land dispute case.
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Gov Adeleke Speaks On Death Sentence For Chicken Thief
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.”
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Delta Assembly pardons two suspended members
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.”
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