Human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi has been granted bail of ₦30 million by a Magistrate Court in Ekiti State. The court required three sureties with landed property within the jurisdiction and directed Farotimi to refrain from granting media interviews while submitting his international passport. The next court hearing is scheduled for February 13, 2025.
Farotimi, who had been in custody at a correctional facility in Ado Ekiti for over two weeks, arrived at the court around 9:45 am on Friday. He was brought in a prison van escorted by police officers, stepping out to acknowledge a crowd of supporters gathered outside.
The decision to grant bail followed the magistrate, Abayomi Adeosun, reserving judgment during the last court session and ordering Farotimi’s continued detention. The activist pleaded not guilty to the 14 charges filed against him by the police. His lawyer, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, filed an objection, arguing that the charges, including defamation, are not recognized under the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021.
Farotimi is accused of defaming Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Afe Babalola. His arrest has drawn significant public outcry, with many Nigerians demanding his immediate release. Political figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Omoyele Sowore joined the call for his freedom, criticizing the government for allegedly stifling opposing voices.
Civil society groups, including Amnesty International, condemned the arrest, describing it as an attack on dissent. Amnesty International Nigeria called for his unconditional release, stating that the authorities must stop suppressing free expression. Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) also denounced the detention, labeling it unlawful.
