Breaking News: Court Grants Dele Farotimi N30m Bail in Afe Babalola Defamation Case
Human rights lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi appeared at the Ekiti State Magistrate Court in Ado-Ekiti on December 20, 2024, amid heavy security.
He faces a 16-count charge of alleged defamation against Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Afe Babalola, stemming from statements in his book, “Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.”
During the proceedings, the court granted Mr. Farotimi bail set at ₦30 million, with three sureties of like sum, each required to own landed property within the court’s jurisdiction.
Additionally, the court ordered the confiscation of his international passport and prohibited him from making public statements regarding Mr. Babalola’s alleged influence on the judiciary.
Mr. Farotimi’s arrest and subsequent detention have sparked significant public debate, with various groups calling for his release and others urging him to substantiate his claims in court.
His legal team maintains that the charges infringe upon his constitutional right to free speech.