Human rights lawyer and activist, Dele Farotimi, has been granted bail by the Ekiti State High Court. The court, in its ruling, set bail conditions at ₦50 million, with a surety required to provide a landed property of equivalent value.
The case, which has drawn national attention, stems from allegations of defamation brought against Farotimi by renowned Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Afe Babalola. The 95-year-old legal luminary accused Farotimi of defaming him in his book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.
Farotimi was arrested by operatives of the Ekiti State Police Command following Babalola’s petition. His detention sparked widespread outrage, with civil society organizations and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) demanding his immediate release and condemning what they described as an attack on freedom of expression.
The court has adjourned the matter to January 29, 2025, for further proceedings. Farotimi’s legal team expressed confidence in proving his innocence, while supporters continue to rally around the activist, viewing the case as a litmus test for justice and human rights in Nigeria.
Stay tuned for updates as the case unfolds.