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Human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi has been remanded in prison over defamation charges related to his book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System. Accused of maligning Aare Afe Babalola, Farotimi pleaded not guilty. The court ruled for his remand until December 10, 2024, amidst growing concerns over free speech.

Human rights lawyer and activist, Dele Farotimi, was remanded in prison after being charged with defamation in a case involving prominent Nigerian lawyer Aare Afe Babalola, SAN. The charges stemmed from statements made in Farotimi's book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System, which allegedly maligned Babalola's character.

Farotimi appeared in an Ado Ekiti Magistrate Court on December 3, 2024, where he faced sixteen counts of defamation. Despite pleading not guilty to all charges, Farotimi was denied bail. His lawyer, Dayo Akeredolu, argued that Farotimi should be granted bail as he was a known figure and posed no flight risk. However, the prosecution, represented by Police prosecutor Samson Osun, insisted that Farotimi be held in prison to ensure security during the investigation.

Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun ruled that Farotimi remains in custody pending further proceedings and adjourned the case to December 10, 2024, for the next hearing. The decision has sparked debates over freedom of speech and the role of legal figures in the country. Farotimi’s supporters contend that the charges are politically motivated, pointing to his activist stance on various national issues.