Breaking: Police Drop Defamation Charge Against Farotimi

The Nigeria Police Force has filed a notice to discontinue the defamation suit brought by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun against Lagos-based lawyer and author, Dele Farotimi.

The notice, dated January 29 and signed by police prosecutor Samson Osubu, was filed under Section 108 (1)(2)(a) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015. It seeks to withdraw the charge pending at the Federal High Court, Ado-Ekiti.

According to the filing, the case is being dropped following the intervention of well-meaning Nigerians and the request of the nominal complainant, Are Afe Babalola. The prosecution has served the notice on the defense counsel, but the judge is yet to formally strike out the charge.

However, a separate charge against Farotimi remains active at the Magistrate Court, Ado-Ekiti, with a hearing set for February 13, 2025. It is expected that the police will also withdraw that case before the next court date.