Human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi, has been granted bail in the sum of ₦30 million by a magistrate court in Ekiti State.
The court further instructed Farotimi to provide three sureties, each possessing landed property within the court’s jurisdiction. Additionally, he was ordered to refrain from giving media interviews and to surrender his passport. The case has been adjourned to 13th February 2025.
Farotimi, who had been remanded in a correctional facility in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, for over two weeks, arrived at the Magistrate Court premises around 9:45 am on Friday. He was transported in a prison van with a police escort, and upon his arrival, he raised his hands in appreciation to a cheering crowd gathered outside the court.
His bail follows a ruling by Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun, who had previously reserved a decision on Farotimi’s bail application until December 20, ordering his continued detention.
During the court proceedings, Farotimi pleaded not guilty to the 14-count charge brought against him by the police. His lawyer, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, filed a preliminary objection, urging the court to strike out the charges, arguing that defamation is not recognized under the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021.
Farotimi is being prosecuted for allegedly defaming Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Afe Babalola. His arrest has sparked widespread public criticism, with many Nigerians demanding his immediate release. Opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Omoyele Sowore, have joined calls to free Farotimi, accusing the government of suppressing dissenting voices.
Civil society groups, including Amnesty International, have also condemned the arrest, urging the Nigerian authorities to end the repression of dissent and immediately release Farotimi. Amnesty International Nigeria posted on X, stating, “The Nigerian authorities must end repression of dissent and immediately and unconditionally release him.”
Additionally, renowned human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) condemned the arrest, calling it illegal.
