Human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi has been granted bail in the sum of ₦30 million by a Magistrates’ Court in Ekiti State.
The court also required Farotimi to provide three sureties with landed properties within the court’s jurisdiction. He was ordered to refrain from media interviews and to surrender his international passport. The case has been adjourned until 13th February 2025.
Farotimi, who had been held at a correctional facility in Ado Ekiti, arrived at the court around 9:45 am on Friday. He was escorted by police in a prison van and greeted a cheering crowd outside the court premises with raised hands.
His bail ruling followed the magistrate, Abayomi Adeosun, reserving a decision at the last sitting and ordering Farotimi’s remand until December 20.
During proceedings, Farotimi pleaded not guilty to the 14 charges brought against him by the police. His counsel, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, filed a preliminary objection, arguing that the charges were not recognised under the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021, and should be struck out.
Farotimi is facing trial at a Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ado Ekiti for allegedly defaming Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Afe Babalola.
The arrest of the activist has drawn widespread public criticism, with many Nigerians demanding his immediate release.