The Nigerian Police Force has filed a fresh set of cybercrime charges against prominent human rights lawyer and author, Dele Farotimi, before the Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.
The charges, which include 12 counts, stem from allegations that Farotimi made defamatory statements during public appearances and online broadcasts.
The charges center on comments Farotimi allegedly made during an interview on the Mic On Podcast, hosted by Seun Okinbaloye, and statements during a press conference streamed on his YouTube channel.
The allegations relate to his book, Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System, in which he criticized aspects of Nigeria’s judiciary, including remarks about the eminent lawyer, Chief Afe Babalola.
One of the charges reads:
“That you, Dele Farotimi, on 28th August 2024, knowingly and intentionally transmitted communication in an online interview on Mic On Podcast by Seun Okinbaloye on your YouTube Channel 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 committing an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act 2015 as amended.”
Another count alleges that Farotimi’s comments were intended to “bully and harass” Chief Afe Babalola, violating Section 24(a) of the Cybercrimes Act.
During a press conference on December 2, 2024, also cited in the charges, Farotimi said,
“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.”
The police claim the remarks were defamatory and disruptive, accusing Farotimi of using his platforms to incite unrest and undermine judicial integrity.
Farotimi has long been known for his outspoken stance on governance, human rights, and justice in Nigeria.
His legal team has indicated their intention to contest the charges, which they argue amount to an attack on free speech and dissenting opinions.
The Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti is expected to announce a date for the hearing soon.
This development has already sparked debates around the limits of free expression under Nigeria’s cybercrime laws and their application against critics of powerful figures.
