By Ayomide Otitoju
A Federal High Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, has granted bail to human rights activist and legal practitioner, Dele Farotimi, following his arraignment on charges of criminal defamation.
Justice Ayo Emmanuel granted Farotimi bail on Monday with conditions, including a ₦50 million bond and a surety of equal value. The surety must possess a landed property in Ekiti State and provide the title deed as collateral.
Bail Conditions
The court outlined additional bail requirements:
The surety must reside in Ekiti State and have a three-year tax clearance.
Both the defendant and the surety must submit four recent passport photographs to the court.
Farotimi is required to deposit his international passport with the court registrar.
The case has been adjourned to January 29, 2025.
Sowore Reacts
Omoyele Sowore, the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), confirmed the court’s decision via his social media handle, describing it as a significant step forward.
“The first hurdle was crossed. #DeleFarotimi was granted bail of N50 million surety in the like sum with someone with landed property. The case was adjourned to January 29, 2025,” Sowore wrote.
Background
Farotimi, 56, faces a 12-count charge filed by the police, following a prior 16-count charge of criminal defamation brought before a Chief Magistrate Court in Ado-Ekiti. He pleaded not guilty to both sets of charges.
The allegations stem from statements made during an online interview and in his book, Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System. The prosecution claims Farotimi falsely accused prominent legal figure Aare Afe Babalola of corrupting the judiciary, an act alleged to contravene Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.
Defence
Farotimi’s legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Festus Emiri, has maintained his innocence, arguing the charges are an infringement on his rights to free expression.
The case has drawn significant attention, with civil society groups calling for transparency and fairness in the judicial process.
