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Farotimi: Police Allege Witness Intimidation, Oppose Bail Application

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Farotimi: Police Allege Witness Intimidation, Oppose Bail Application

Farotimi: Police Allege Witness Intimidation, Oppose Bail Application

The legal troubles of lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi continued on Tuesday as the Ekiti State Magistrates’ Court in Ado Ekiti remanded him in custody after the police opposed his bail application. The magistrate adjourned the case until December 20 to decide on the bail request, following strong resistance from the police.

Farotimi is facing charges brought by the police for allegedly defaming Senior Advocate of Nigeria and legal luminary Aare Afe Babalola in his book titled Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System. The police allege that Farotimi has been intimidating witnesses in the case.

Farotimi was arrested last Tuesday in Lagos State and transported to Ekiti State, where he was arraigned the following day. He pleaded not guilty to the charges, and his initial oral bail application was rejected by Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun, who insisted on a formal written application.

Defence Arguments for Bail

At the resumed hearing, Farotimi’s counsel, Taiwo Adedeji, argued that the alleged offence was bailable and that his client should be presumed innocent until proven guilty. He emphasized Farotimi’s unblemished 25-year record as a lawyer, his fixed address, and his willingness to appear in court whenever required.

“The defendant is a lawyer with a fixed address and a name on the roll of legal practitioners of the Supreme Court,” Adedeji stated. “He has undertaken to make himself available whenever needed.”

Adedeji urged the court to disregard the claims in the prosecution’s counter-affidavit and grant his client bail.

Prosecution’s Opposition

However, the police prosecutor, Samson Osodu, vehemently opposed the application, arguing that Farotimi could jump bail and has been intimidating witnesses and complainants via social media. Osodu also alleged that Farotimi had expressed a lack of faith in the judicial system and described the defence’s affidavit as incompetent because it was deposed to by a litigation clerk.

Osodu further opposed the appearance of Senior Advocate of Nigeria Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika as part of Farotimi’s defence team.

Adjournment and Public Reaction

After hearing arguments from both sides, Magistrate Adeosun adjourned the ruling on the bail application until December 20. Farotimi remains in custody pending the court’s decision.

Meanwhile, a planned protest by the Take It Back Movement at the Ekiti State Police Command Headquarters failed to materialize. Community leader Chief Michael Osaloni and the Police Public Relations Officer for Ekiti State, Sunday Abutu, had issued strong warnings against any protests. Abutu reiterated that the state remained peaceful and cautioned against any unlawful demonstrations.

Sowore and Obi’s Reactions

Omoyele Sowore, the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, criticized the court’s handling of the case and the continued detention of Farotimi. Taking to his X handle, Sowore wrote, “The ruling on @delefarotimi’s bail application was today adjourned till December 20. @DeleFarotimi has been sent back to prison for the next 10 days. See what begging has done? #FreeDeleFarotimiNow.”

Sowore also condemned Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi’s recent visit to Afe Babalola in Ado Ekiti to plead for Farotimi’s case, calling it an unjust approach to the activist’s detention.

Conclusion

The case has drawn significant public attention, with supporters calling for Farotimi’s release and critics questioning the police’s motives. The adjournment to December 20 prolongs the legal and emotional ordeal for the activist, his family, and his supporters.

 

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Mayor of Brampton Honours IBD Foundation

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Mayor of Brampton Honours IBD Foundation

 

The City of Brampton has recognised Alhaji Ibrahim Dende Egungbohun for his remarkable contributions to a transformative initiative designed to empower women through essential skill-building for independence and self-reliance. This formal acknowledgment took place on August 15, 2025, in Mayor Patrick Brown’s office during a visit from the Africa Made Economic Growth Initiative (AMEGI) team. Represented by his wife, Mrs. Omolara Egungbohun, Alhaji Dende received the certification amidst an atmosphere of gratitude and celebration. Mayor Brown presented the certificate personally and extended his commendations to the IBD Foundation for their relentless pursuit of women’s empowerment, development, and their philanthropic efforts.

The Certificate of Recognition underscored Egungbohun’s unwavering dedication and tireless efforts to create diverse opportunities for women to enhance their skills, develop their potential, and ultimately prosper in their personal and professional lives. As a philanthropist, esteemed businessman, and influential social figure, his impact in Nigeria and beyond is both profound and far-reaching.

Egungbohun’s generosity and steadfast commitment have significantly bolstered the confidence of program participants, facilitating their ability to envision and construct brighter futures while strengthening community ties. In his acknowledgment, Mayor Brown stated, “Your dedication uplifts those working to inspire others,” highlighting the deep and lasting influence of Egungbohun’s work in empowering women.

Mayor of Brampton Honours IBD Foundation

This initiative is not just a standalone effort; it harmonizes perfectly with Brampton’s broader mission to advocate for and uplift marginalized groups within the community. Egungbohun’s contributions serve as a vital catalyst for transformative change, offering practical skills that enhance employability while reshaping the economic and social framework for women. Through an assortment of workshops, mentorship programs, and robust support networks, he has fostered an encouraging environment where women can fully explore and realize their potential.

As Brampton steadfastly commits itself to promoting inclusivity and equity, leaders like Egungbohun exemplify how collaboration, vision, and genuine enthusiastic engagement can effectively turn hopes and aspirations into tangible realities. The public acknowledgment from the city not only honors individual efforts but also sends a resounding message, inspiring other community leaders and stakeholders to step up and invest in grassroots empowerment initiatives that uplift and serve those in need. This recognition is a clarion call for collective action toward a more equitable and inclusive society.

 

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Tayo Folorunsho Nominated as Celebrity Special Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps

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Tayo Folorunsho Nominated as Celebrity Special Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps

Tayo Folorunsho Nominated as Celebrity Special Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps

 

 

Tayo Folorunsho, renowned youth ambassador and edutainment advocate, has been officially nominated to be decorated as a Celebrity Special Marshal (CSM) of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

 

Tayo Folorunsho Nominated as Celebrity Special Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps

 

The unveiling took place at the recently concluded FRSC Youth Hangout, held in celebration of the United Nations International Youth Day at the National Judicial Institute, Abuja.

 

 

Over the years, Tayo Folorunsho has distinguished himself as a passionate youth leader, consistently driving initiatives that inspire and empower young people. His recognition as a Celebrity Special Marshal is not only a mark of honor but also a call to responsibility—championing road safety, responsibility, and positive change within society.

 

Tayo Folorunsho Nominated as Celebrity Special Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps

 

Speaking on the recognition, Tayo Folorunsho emphasized:

“This is more than an honor; it is a responsibility to use my voice and influence to promote safety, responsibility, and positive change on our roads.”

 

This milestone reinforces his commitment to youth empowerment, social responsibility, and nation-building through edutainment and advocacy.

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FRSC Partners with Edutainment First International to Drive Road Safety Awareness in Nigeria

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FRSC Partners with Edutainment First International to Drive Road Safety Awareness in Nigeria

FRSC Partners with Edutainment First International to Drive Road Safety Awareness in Nigeria

 

In a country where road accidents claim thousands of lives each year—most of them young people—the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and Edutainment First International have launched a bold new initiative to change the narrative. On Thursday, August 14, both organizations hosted the maiden Road Safety Youth Hangout at the National Judicial Institute, Abuja.

 

FRSC Partners with Edutainment First International to Drive Road Safety Awareness in Nigeria

 

The event, held to mark United Nations International Youth Day 2025, brought together more than 300 participants, including members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), students, youth leaders, and community representatives. Unlike traditional road safety campaigns, the hangout was designed as an interactive forum blending education and entertainment, where young Nigerians could learn, innovate, and commit to safer road practices.

 

 

According to FRSC data, young people remain the most vulnerable demographic in road traffic crashes across Nigeria—an urgent concern this initiative aims to tackle. Through storytelling, innovation, and collaborative problem-solving, the Road Safety Youth Hangout sought to transform young Nigerians into advocates for safety within their communities.

 

 

“This is not just about rules and regulations,” said one of the organizers. “It’s about equipping young people with the tools and the voice to change Nigeria’s road culture.”

 

Aligned with the UN’s 2025 theme, “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond,” the program underscored the critical role of young Nigerians in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those connected to health, safety, and responsible citizenship.

 

 

By focusing on empowerment rather than enforcement, FRSC and Edutainment First International signaled a fresh approach to road safety: investing in the next generation as the real drivers of change. The belief is simple yet powerful—an informed and empowered youth population is key to reducing accidents and saving lives.

 

 

For many participants, the hangout was more than just an event; it was a wake-up call. With interactive sessions infused with music, drama, and dialogue, young Nigerians were challenged to reflect on their daily habits as road users and to embrace leadership as advocates for safer communities.

 

 

As one youth participant reflected:

“Road safety isn’t just the job of the FRSC. It’s our responsibility too—because we are the ones most at risk.”

 

The maiden edition of the Road Safety Youth Hangout may have ended, but the movement it launched has only just begun. Its message was unmistakable: Nigeria’s fight for safer roads must be youth-led, collaborative, and relentless.

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