The Federal High Court in Ado Ekiti, struck out the defamation case filed by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, against activist lawyer Dele Farotimi over alleged cybercrime.
The case, which was linked to Farotimi’s remarks during an interview about his book, “Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System”, particularly concerning Afe Babalola University’s founder, Aare Afe Babalola, was formally withdrawn in court on Wednesday.
During the hearing, the prosecution’s counsel, Samson Osobu, informed the court of a notice of discontinuance, citing Section 108(1)(2)(a) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015.
“The matter was slated for hearing today, but we have filed a notice of discontinuance dated January 29, 2025, and filed this morning,” Osobu stated.
He added that the decision followed interventions by well-meaning Nigerians and a direct request from the nominal complainant, Afe Babalola, to drop the case.
The defense counsel, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN), did not oppose the withdrawal, leading Justice Babs Kuewumi to strike out the suit.
“This case is hereby struck out,” the judge ruled.
Speaking after the ruling, Olumide-Fusika confirmed the case had been resolved in Ado Ekiti but refrained from commenting on similar cases pending in Lagos, Ibadan, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and the Ado Ekiti Magistrate Court.
He also disclosed that he had advised Farotimi against granting press interviews on the matter.
The withdrawal follows mediation efforts led by prominent traditional rulers, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.
On Monday, Afe Babalola publicly announced his decision to instruct his lawyers to withdraw the defamation charges against Farotimi.
