EKITI: A magistrates’ court in Ado-Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti State, has granted N30 million bail to prominent lawyer and human rights activist Dele Farotimi. The ruling came after a hearing on Friday, where Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun considered the bail application and ultimately ruled in favor of the embattled activist.
In addition to the substantial bail amount, the court stipulated several conditions for Farotimi’s release. He is required to provide two responsible sureties, who will stand as guarantors for his bail. The court also mandated that Farotimi surrender his international passport, effectively preventing him from traveling abroad during the course of the trial. Furthermore, as part of the bail conditions.
Farotimi has been instructed not to engage in any media interviews or public statements while the case remains ongoing. This restriction is aimed at preventing any actions that might interfere with the judicial process or escalate tensions surrounding the case.
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Farotimi, known for his vocal stance on human rights issues and advocacy against injustice, was arrested and arraigned by the Ekiti State Police Command after a petition was filed by Afe Babalola, an elder statesman and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). Babalola alleges that Farotimi criminally defamed him in his recently-released book, a claim which has led to the charges being pressed against the activist.
The case has sparked considerable public interest, particularly given Farotimi’s status as a key figure in the Nigerian legal and human rights community. The outcome of the case will likely have broader implications for freedom of expression and the legal framework surrounding defamation in the country.
