Alleged defamation: Activist Dele Farotimi granted bail
Dele Farotimi in handcuff climbing down the stairs after the hearing in Ado-Ekiti
The Federal High Court in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, has granted bail to activist and lawyer Dele Farotimi, who is facing charges related to alleged defamation of senior lawyer and Afe Babalola University founder, Afe Babalola.
Justice Babs Kuewumi granted Mr. Farotimi bail on Monday in the sum of ₦50 million.
The conditions include securing a surety with a landed property within the court’s jurisdiction and the submission of Mr. Farotimi’s passport.
While bail has been approved, he will remain in custody until the conditions are met. The trial is scheduled to commence on January 29, 2025.
The charges stem from Mr. Farotimi’s book, Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System, in which Mr. Babalola alleges defamatory content. In response to Mr. Babalola’s petition, the police initially charged Mr. Farotimi with criminal defamation at a chief magistrate’s court.
On Friday, the Inspector General of Police filed fresh charges, accusing Mr. Farotimi of 12 counts of cybercrimes related to the defamation allegations. He pleaded not guilty to all charges during his Federal High Court arraignment.
Mr. Farotimi’s lawyer, Ralph Nwoke, commended the court for granting bail and assured efforts to meet the conditions promptly. He highlighted discrepancies in the charges filed on Friday and those presented in court on Monday.
The case has garnered public attention, raising discussions on freedom of expression, legal processes, and the implications of defamation in Nigeria.
