Human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi has been granted bail in the sum of ₦30 million by a Magistrate Court in Ekiti State.
The court, presided over by Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun, also mandated Farotimi to provide three sureties with landed properties within the court’s jurisdiction. As part of his bail conditions, the activist was ordered to surrender his international passport and refrain from granting media interviews. The case was adjourned to February 13, 2025.
Farotimi, who had been in custody at a correctional center in Ado Ekiti, arrived at the court premises around 9:45 a.m. on Friday. He was transported in a prison van accompanied by a police escort and was greeted by a cheering crowd as he raised his hands in acknowledgment.
The bail ruling follows the magistrate’s earlier decision to reserve judgment on the application until December 20, during which Farotimi was ordered to remain in custody.
Farotimi pleaded not guilty to the 14-count charge filed against him by the police, which includes allegations of defamation. His counsel, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, argued that the charges were baseless, asserting that the alleged offence of defamation is not recognized under the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021.
The lawyer is facing prosecution for allegedly defaming Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Afe Babalola. His arrest has drawn widespread criticism, with many Nigerians calling for his immediate release.
