The police have formally asked the Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti to dismiss the defamation case against activist Dele Farotimi. This significant development follows a notice of discontinuance filed on January 29 2025, in which the police sought to end the legal proceedings originally initiated by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun.
The police have cited the wish of the nominal complainant, Afe Babalola, as the primary reason for their request. Babalola, a renowned legal figure, had filed the defamation suit against Farotimi in connection with his controversial book Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System. However, Chief Babalola has since reversed his decision to pursue the case, a shift that played a pivotal role in the police’s move to discontinue the legal action.
Request for dismissal filed in court
The application to withdraw the charges was lodged in accordance with Section 108 (1)(2)(a) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, a legal framework that permits the discontinuation of criminal proceedings. The police prosecutor, Samson Osubu, signed the notice on behalf of the police.
The legal team representing Dele Farotimi has already received the notice, and both sides are now awaiting a court sitting where the judge will formally strike out the defamation charge. This procedural move marks the latest twist in a case that has sparked public debate and garnered attention from across the country.
Babalola’s change of heart and intervention from prominent figures
Chief Babalola’s decision to withdraw the case came after a series of interventions from influential figures, including religious leaders, politicians, and traditional rulers. Among those who reached out to Babalola were former President Olusegun Obasanjo, ex-Governor Peter Obi, Bishop Hassan Kukah, and several prominent Yoruba monarchs.
A particularly significant moment occurred when the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, visited Chief Babalola in Ado-Ekiti along with other traditional rulers to appeal for the case to be dropped. During this visit, the monarchs emphasised the importance of Babalola’s legacy and integrity, urging him to forgive Dele Farotimi and drop the charges. Babalola, after carefully considering the appeals, agreed to have the suit withdrawn, expressing that he had no desire to see Farotimi jailed. This shift in Babalola’s stance led directly to the police’s decision to file the notice of discontinuance.
The defamation case has been the subject of widespread public interest, not only because of Farotimi’s controversial views in his book but also due to the involvement of prominent Nigerians like Babalola. Farotimi’s arrest and the charges against him sparked discussions about free speech, the criminal justice system, and the role of activists in challenging established norms.
Read also: Afe Babalola agrees to withdraw defamation suit against Dele Farotimi
With the case on the brink of being formally dismissed, Dele Farotimi’s legal troubles appear to be over for now, thanks to the combined influence of religious, political, and traditional leaders who intervened on his behalf.