Ado Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court yesterday adjourned until December 20 a ruling on the bail application by Dele Farotimi.

The lawyer and human rights activist is facing charges of criminal defamation of Chief Afe Babalola (SAN). Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun reserved a ruling on the bail application, ordering Farotimi to be sent back to correctional custody in Ado Ekiti till when the ruling on the application is determined.

Police prosecuting counsel Samson Osobu substituted an amended 14 counts against Farotimi at the adjourned hearing for the day.

Counsel for the defendant Taiwo Adeniji asked the court to admit the defendant to bail, saying the alleged offence is bailable. According to him, the defendant is a lawyer of 25 years standing with verifiable addresses.

However, Osobu objected to the bail application, saying in opposing the application for bail, he relied on the 16 paragraphs in general, particularly where the applicants admitted at a press conference in hiding for two weeks, saying he will do the same thing here.

Olumide Fasuka (SAN), who had earlier informed the court for his appearance for Farotimi, was opposed by the police prosecuting Osobu, quoting different sections, laws and authority to back up the points.