Human rights activist Dele Farotimi has been granted bail in the sum of ₦30 million by a Magistrate Court in Ado-Ekiti, as part of ongoing legal proceedings involving defamation allegations.
Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun delivered the ruling on Friday, outlining stringent bail conditions, including the provision of two sureties who must be “responsible citizens” and the surrender of Mr. Farotimi’s international passport to the court. Additionally, the activist has been prohibited from granting media interviews while the case remains in court.
The case stems from accusations of criminal defamation against Afe Babalola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), over statements contained in Farotimi’s book, Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System.
In a notable development during Friday’s proceedings, Magistrate Adeosun barred Farotimi’s lead counsel, Olumide Fusika (SAN), from representing him in the matter. The decision was reportedly based on Section 9 of the Magistrates’ Courts Law 2014.
Mr. Farotimi, who has pleaded not guilty to the charges, is simultaneously facing trial in two separate courts over allegations involving Mr. Babalola. Earlier, on December 9, the Federal High Court in Ekiti granted him bail in the sum of ₦50 million with one surety. This came after the Inspector-General of Police filed a 12-count charge of cybercrime against the activist.
The legal battles highlight the ongoing tension between freedom of expression and defamation laws in Nigeria’s judicial system.
