Dele Farotimi Granted N30 Million Bail by Ekiti Magistrate Court

Prominent human rights activist and lawyer, Dele Farotimi, has been granted bail for ₦30 million by a magistrate court in Ado-Ekiti.

The bail ruling, which took place on Friday, comes with stringent conditions, including a ₦30 million bond, two sureties (one of whom must be a property owner), the submission of his passport, and a restriction on granting media interviews.

Omoyele Sowore, the 2023 African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate and fellow activist, announced the development on his social media handle.

Heavy Security Presence at the Court

Farotimi appeared before the court under tight security, with a significant number of police officers and law enforcement agents stationed around the premises. The court session, closely monitored by the public, involved case number MAD/1,476.C/2024, where the Ekiti State Commissioner of Police serves as the complainant.

Petition by Chief Afe Babalola

Farotimi’s arrest followed a petition by Chief Afe Babalola (SAN), a renowned lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria. The charges stem from statements made in Farotimi’s book, “Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.”

One of the charges alleges that Farotimi accused Chief Babalola of corrupting the Supreme Court to secure a fraudulent judgment for his clients. According to the prosecution, the statement is likely to cause public fear and disturb the peace, in violation of Section 59(1) of the Criminal Code Act.

Awaiting Further Court Rulings

While Farotimi’s bail conditions have been set, the court is expected to deliver a ruling on additional legal applications filed by his defense team in the coming days.

Farotimi, a vocal advocate for justice and reform, has remained a polarizing figure in Nigeria’s legal and political spheres. His latest legal battle adds to the growing list of cases highlighting the intersection of activism and Nigeria’s judicial system.

As the case unfolds, it continues to attract widespread attention, with many observers questioning the implications for freedom of expression and the rule of law in Nigeria.