A Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, has granted human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi ₦50 million bail.
This development was shared by Omoyele Sowore, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Action Alliance Congress, AAC, via X on Monday.
Farotimi was remanded following allegations of defaming Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, founder of Afe Babalola University.
Cyber Reporters reports that the activist is accused of damaging Babalola’s reputation through statements made in his book, ‘Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.’
The human rights lawyer pleaded not guilty to all 16 charges against him when he was arraigned last Wednesday.
His attorney, Dayo Akeredolu, contested the police prosecutor’s request to hold Farotimi in custody for further investigations.
Akeredolu argued that the case is eligible for bail and that Farotimi is a well-known individual who does not pose a threat.
The court ultimately agreed, granting Farotimi ₦50 million bail with a surety in the like sum with landed property.
The case has been adjourned to January 29, 2025. Farotimi’s supporters have expressed relief at the court’s decision, while also calling for the charges against him to be dropped.
The development is seen as a victory for free speech and human rights in Nigeria.
Farotimi’s book, ‘Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System,’ has been praised for its thought-provoking analysis of the country’s justice system
