In a significant legal victory, a court has dismissed a defamation lawsuit filed against human rights lawyer and activist, Dele Farotimi. The lawsuit, which had sought damages for alleged defamatory statements, was rejected by the court, marking a major win for Farotimi and his team. The dismissal of the suit is seen as a triumph for free speech and a testament to Farotimi’s commitment to advocating for justice and human rights, even in the face of adversity.

TypA Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti has dismissed the defamation lawsuit filed by Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun against lawyer Dele Farotimi over alleged cybercrime.

During the hearing, counsel for the complainant, Samson Osobu, informed the court that the prosecution had filed a notice of discontinuance. Citing Section 108(1)(2)(a) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, he stated, “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.”

He further explained that the decision followed interventions by well-meaning Nigerians and a request from Babalola himself to discontinue the matter.

Counsel for the defendant, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN), did not oppose the withdrawal, leading Justice Babs Kuewumi to strike out the suit.

Speaking after the ruling, Olumide-Fusika confirmed that the case had been concluded in Ado-Ekiti but declined to comment on related matters pending in courts across Lagos, Ibadan, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and the Magistrate Court in Ado-Ekiti. He also stated that he had advised Farotimi against granting press interviews on the matter.