By Funmilayo Akinyemi/Akure
The Federal High Court in Ado Ekiti has dismissed the defamation suit against activist lawyer, Dele Farotimi, by the founder of Afe Babalola University (ABUA), Ado Ekiti, over alleged cybercrime.
The case, which has been formally withdrawn from court, stemmed from the interview Farotimi granted about his book “Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System” about the founder of ABUA, Aare Afe Babalola.
At the hearing on Wednesday, Counsel to the Complainant, Samson Osobu, told the Court that the Prosecutor filed notice of discontinuance in the case.
“The matter is slated for hearing today, but we have filed a notice of discontinuance dated January 29, 2025, and filed this morning,” he stated.
Citing Section 108(1)(2)(a) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, Osobu added: “The Prosecution, with the leave of this Honourable Court, seeks to withdraw the charge against the Defendant and pray that the charge be struck out.”
Thereafter, Justice Babs Kuewumi struck out the case, declaring: “This case is hereby struck out.”
Speaking to journalists, Counsel for the Defendant, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN), confirmed the dismissal of the case.
He, however, declined to comment on similar matters currently before courts in Lagos, Ibadan, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and the Ado Ekiti Magistrate Court.
