Human rights lawyer and activist, Dele Farotimi, was on Wednesday arraigned before an Ekiti State Magistrate Court.
The activist was on Tuesday arrested in Lagos by operatives of the Ekiti State Police Command.
However, he was brought to the court at about 10:25am.
Farotimi is facing a 16-court charge of defamation of character against a legal luminary and founder of Afe Babalola University, Aare Afe Babalola SAN.
He allegedly defamed the character of Babalola in his recent book, titled: ‘Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System’.
Farotimi pleaded not guilty to all the 16 count charges.
The Police prosecutor, Samson Osun, asked the court to order Farotimi’s remand in prison custody since investigation is still ongoing and report being awaited.
He also argued that remanding the suspect would be for the maintenance of security in the country.
Dayo Akeredolu, Farotimi’s counsel, objected to the request, and pleaded that the suspect be granted bail on very liberal terms and on self-recognition.
Furthermore, he argued that it is a bailable offence, adding that Farotimi is a known figure and does not constitute any threat.
However, the presiding judge, Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun, ruled that the suspect should be remanded in prison custody till the next adjourned date on December 10.
