On Friday, December 20, a Chief Magistrate’s Court in Ado Ekiti granted bail to human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi, setting the amount at N30 million.
Farotimi was arrested earlier in the month for allegedly defaming Afe Babalola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD). He had been held at a correctional center in Ado Ekiti, the state capital, until the court hearing on Friday.
The human rights lawyer arrived at the court around 9:45 am amid heavy security. A viral video showed him being brought to the court in a prison van, escorted by police officers. As he stepped out, he raised his hands in gratitude to a cheering crowd outside the courthouse.
Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun had previously reserved the ruling on the bail application for December 20. He had also ordered Farotimi’s remand in prison. Farotimi pleaded not guilty to the 14 charges brought against him by the Ekiti State Police.
Farotimi’s lawyer, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, had filed a preliminary objection, arguing that the charge was not recognized by law. He pointed out that defamation was not considered a criminal offense under the Ekiti State Criminal Law of 2021.
