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The Nigeria Police Force has leveled new charges against prominent human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi.

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

These new charges are reportedly intended to hinder Farotimi’s bail application and extend his detention. This development follows previous charges brought by the police in conjunction with Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Aare Afe Babalola, stemming from comments Farotimi made during interviews and press conferences.

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

Prosecutors assert that these statements were made with the intent to incite public unrest and to intimidate or harass the senior lawyer.

Farotimi is also accused of making defamatory remarks during a podcast with journalist Seun Okinbaloye, based on content from his book, *Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.* The charges suggest that Farotimi’s statements aimed to intimidate and malign Afe Babalola.

Additionally, he is charged with disclosing details of legal actions taken against him during a press conference on December 2, 2024.

Known for his fervent advocacy for justice and reform, Farotimi was originally arraigned earlier this week, facing 16 charges related to alleged cybercrime.

Farotimi’s legal team contends that the charges violate his constitutional rights to free speech and a fair hearing.

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