Federal High Court Grants Bail to Dele Farotimi

By Ayodele Oni

A Federal High Court in Ekiti State has granted bail to Lawyer and Human rights activist, Dele Farotimi, who was ordered to be remanded last week by a Magistrate Court also in Ekiti.

The Court granted Farotimi bail in the sum of N50 million, with a surety in the same amount.

The Court ruled that the surety must possess a landed property in Ekiti and adjourned the matter to January 29, 2025, for further proceedings.

Farotimi was taken to ourt by Chief Afe Babalola, SAN after being arrested by operatives of the Ekiti State Police Command.

Babalola, 95, accused Farotimi of defaming him in a book entitled: “Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.”

The arrest sparked outrage across the country, prompting Civil Society Organizations and the Nigerian Bar Association to call for the activist’s release.

The Commissioner of Police in Ekiti State, Adeniran Akinwale, had on December 4, 2024 said that Dele Farotimi was arrested for various alleged offences.

The commissioner pointed out that the offences committed included defamation of character, cyberstalking, and others.

“That was why we have been looking for him before we were able to arrest him.We are investigating him.

“If the suspect is arrested, we will bring him for investigation. We will conduct our investigation and will be able to know his level of culpability or otherwise.”