JUST IN: Police file fresh cybercrime charges against activist Dele Farotimi in Ekiti

The Nigeria Police Force has filed additional charges against prominent human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi.

The latest filing, submitted on Friday to the Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, includes 12 new counts under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015.

The new charges reportedly aim to obstruct Farotimi’s bail application and prolong his detention. This development follows earlier charges filed by the police in collaboration with the Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Aare Afe Babalola, over comments Farotimi made during an interview and press conferences.

Among the accusations, Farotimi is alleged to have knowingly transmitted false information during an online interview on August 28, 2024, claiming that Afe Babalola “corrupted the judiciary.”

Prosecutors argue that the statements were made with the intent to cause public unrest and bully or harass the senior lawyer.

Farotimi is accused of making defamatory remarks during a podcast interview with journalist Seun Okinbaloye, based on content in his book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.

The charges allege that Farotimi’s statements were aimed at intimidating and maligning Afe Babalola.

He is also charged for publicizing details of legal actions taken against him during a press conference on December 2, 2024.

Farotimi, known for his outspoken advocacy for justice and reform, was initially arraigned earlier this week, facing 16 charges related to alleged cybercrime.

Farotimi’s legal team argued that the charges infringed on his constitutional rights to free speech and fair hearing.