Dele Farotimi returns to prison as court adjourns bail ruling to December 20

Farotimi pleaded not guilty to the 14-count charge.

Before Tuesday’s proceedings, Farotimi, through his counsel,
Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, filed a preliminary objection asking the court to
strike out the charge.

The preliminary objection was anchored on five grounds.

The activist argued that the charge before the court is
unknown to law and the court is acting without jurisdiction against an
incompetent charge.

The activist also averred that the offence of defamation is
not recognised under the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021.

Farotimi is currently facing trial in two courts on charges
bordering on the alleged defamation of Afe Babalola, a senior advocate of
Nigeria.

On Monday, a federal high court in Ekiti granted Farotimi
N50 million bail with one surety, following a 12-count charge bordering on
cybercrime filed by the inspector-general of police.

Babs Olaniyi Kuewumi, the presiding judge, adjourned the
trial to January 29, 2025.

Last Tuesday, Farotimi was arrested in Lagos by officers
attached to the Ekiti police command, over alleged defamation and
cyberbullying.