- The decision to withdraw the case followed interventions by well-meaning Nigerians
The Federal High Court in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday struck out the defamation suit instituted by the founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, Aare Afe Babalola against activist lawyer, Dele Farotimi, over alleged cybercrime.
At the hearing, counsel for the complainant, Samson Osobu, informed the court that the prosecution had filed a notice of discontinuance.
“The matter is slated for hearing today, but we have filed a notice of discontinuance dated January 29, 2025, and filed this morning,” he stated.
Osobu cited Section 108(1)(2)(a) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 as the basis for the withdrawal, adding, “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 to withdraw the case followed interventions by well-meaning Nigerians and a request from the nominal complainant, Afe Babalola, to discontinue the matter.
Counsel for the defendant, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN), did not oppose the withdrawal.
Consequently, Justice Babs Kuewumi struck out the case, declaring, “This case is hereby struck out.”