The Nigerian police have filed fresh charges against human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi, at the Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State. The police filed 12 new counts against Farotimi, who is already facing charges of cybercrime.
According to court documents, the new charges allege that Farotimi knowingly and intentionally transmitted false information with the intention of causing a breakdown of law and order.
Specifically, the charges claim that Farotimi stated in an online interview that “Aare Afe Babalola corrupted the judiciary,” which the police allege is false information.
The charges read in part: “That you Dele Farotimi ‘m’ 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 committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 24(1) (b) of Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act 2015 as amended.”
Farotimi, who is known for his advocacy for justice and good governance, had appeared before the court on Wednesday following charges brought against him by Age Babalola SAN under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015.
The police prosecutor had filed 16 charges against Farotimi on Wednesday, but the new charges bring the total number of counts against him to 28. The filing of fresh charges is seen as a move by the police to frustrate Farotimi’s bail application and keep him in remand.
