The Ekiti State High Court has granted bail to Dele Farotimi, a renowned human rights lawyer, in the sum of ₦50 million. The bail condition requires a surety who must provide the same amount and own a landed property.
The court adjourned the case to January 29, 2025, for further proceedings.
Farotimi’s legal troubles are linked to a defamation lawsuit filed by Chief Afe Babalola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). Babalola, a 95-year-old legal icon, accused Farotimi of making defamatory remarks in his book titled Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System, alleging that the statements damaged his reputation.
The Ekiti State Police Command subsequently arrested Farotimi, sparking widespread public outcry. Civil society organizations and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) have criticized the arrest, arguing that it threatens freedom of speech and raises broader concerns about the state of justice in Nigeria.
