The Nigeria Police Force has withdrawn the defamation charge against lawyer and author, Dele Farotimi.
This comes after Afe Babalola, the nominal complainant, decided to discontinue the case.
The police prosecutor, Samson Osubu, filed a notice of discontinuance at the Federal High Court, Ado-Ekiti, citing Section 108 (1) (2)(a) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015. The notice was served on the defendant’s counsel in court, effectively striking out the charge against Farotimi.
Recall that a petition was filed by Babalola, alleging that Farotimi defamed him in his book, “Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System.” Farotimi was subsequently arrested, charged with criminal defamation, and arraigned before an Ekiti State Magistrate Court and the Ado-Ekiti Division of the Federal High Court.
However, after a meeting with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and other top traditional rulers on Monday, Babalola said he is willing to withdraw the case.