Human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi has been granted bail in the sum of ₦30 million by an Ekiti State Magistrate Court. The court also mandated Farotimi to provide three sureties with landed property within the court’s jurisdiction.
Farotimi, who had been remanded at a correctional facility in Ado Ekiti for over two weeks, arrived at the court premises on Friday morning. Escorted by police and transported in a prison van, he greeted a cheering crowd by raising his hands in appreciation.
Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun delivered the bail ruling after reserving judgment during the last court session on December 20. Farotimi faces a 14-count charge filed by the police, to which he has pleaded not guilty.
His counsel, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, filed a preliminary objection, arguing that the charges against his client were legally invalid. According to Olumide-Fusika, the alleged defamation offence is not recognized under the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021.
The charges stem from allegations of defamation against Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Afe Babalola. Farotimi’s arrest and detention have drawn widespread public outcry, with critics accusing the government of targeting dissenting voices.
Political leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Omoyele Sowore, joined calls for Farotimi’s release, labeling the case a suppression of free speech. Amnesty International and other civil society organizations also condemned the arrest, urging authorities to drop the charges.
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) described Farotimi’s arrest as illegal, further intensifying calls for justice. Amnesty International stated, “The Nigerian authorities must end repression of dissent and immediately and unconditionally release him.”
