Dele Farotimi, a human rights lawyer, has been granted bail by a Chief Magistrate’s Court in Ado Ekiti. The bail, set at N30 million, follows his arrest for allegedly defaming Senior Advocate Afe Babalola. Farotimi had previously pleaded not guilty to 14 charges brought by Ekiti Police.
A Chief Magistrate Court in Ado Ekiti has granted human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi, bail in the amount of N30 million after he was arrested for allegedly defaming Afe Babalola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and founder of Afe Babalola University (ABUAD). Farotimi, held at a correctional center in Ado Ekiti, appeared in court with a large police escort on Friday morning, arriving around 9:45 AM. A viral video showed Farotimi exiting a prison van, raising his hands in appreciation to a cheering crowd outside the court.
The court had previously reserved a ruling on Farotimi's bail application until December 20, and the lawyer was remanded in prison until the decision. Farotimi is facing a 14-count charge, which he has pleaded not guilty to. His defense attorney, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, has objected to the charges, arguing that defamation is not recognized under Ekiti State's criminal laws. Farotimi’s case has drawn attention, with his supporters rallying behind him, and the outcome of the court’s ruling is closely watched.
