Justice Abayomi Adeosun of the Ado-Ekiti Magistrate Court, Ekiti State, had deferred ruling on a bail application for human rights lawyer and author Dele Farotimi until December 20, 2024.
Farotimi is charged by the Police for allegedly defaming a legal luminary, Chief Afe Babalola, in his book titled Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.
Although Farotimi made a not-guilty plea to all 16 charges, his bail application hit a roadblock.
Police Prosecutor Samson Osobu kicked to Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika representing Farotimi, arguing that a recent Court of Appeal ruling (July 16, 2024) prohibited SANs from appearing in Magistrate Courts.
Olumide-Fusika countered, citing Ekiti State Magistrate Court laws that permit lawyers of any rank to appear, especially in criminal cases. He urged the court to dismiss the prosecutor’s objection, stating the cited ruling may not apply universally.
Justice Adeosun deferred his decision on the SAN’s eligibility, directing Olumide-Fusika to step down temporarily.
Barrister Taiwo Adedeji, another member of Farotimi’s legal team, took over proceedings.
The court adjourned the case to December 20, 2024, for the bail hearing and ordered Farotimi’s remand in custody.
