The Federal High Court in Ado Ekiti has dismissed the defamation charge brought against Lagos-based lawyer and author, Dele Farotimi, following a motion filed by the police prosecutor.

Justice Babs Kuewumi struck out the charge after police prosecutor Samson Osobu informed the court that the prosecution had filed a notice of discontinuance earlier that day, dated January 29, 2025. Osobu stated that the matter was scheduled for hearing but would no longer proceed due to the filed notice.

Farotimi's legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, did not object to the application, which led Justice Kuewumi to officially dismiss the case, declaring, “This case is hereby struck out.”

Outside the court, Olumide-Fusika confirmed the conclusion of the case in this court but refrained from commenting on related ongoing matters in other jurisdictions. He also advised Farotimi to avoid giving press statements on the issue.

A separate criminal charge against Farotimi remains before the Ado-Ekiti Magistrate Court, presided over by Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun. This case has been adjourned until February 13, 2025, with expectations that the police may also seek to discontinue the proceedings there.

Farotimi is also facing several civil suits across various state courts, including the FCT High Court, Ogun, Oyo, and Rivers State High Courts. Some of these cases involve interim orders that restrict Farotimi from publishing or distributing his book, "Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System." It is unclear whether these cases will also be withdrawn.

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