Farotimi
Defamation: Dele Farotimi gets N30m bail
Human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi, has been granted bail of ₦30 million by a Magistrate Court in Ekiti State.
The court ordered Farotimi to provide three sureties who own landed property within the court’s jurisdiction.
Also, Farotimi is required to surrender his international passport and refrain from media interviews. The case has been adjourned to 13 February 2025.
Farotimi, who had been held in a correctional facility in Ado Ekiti for over two weeks, arrived at the Magistrate Court around 9:45 am on Friday. He was transported in a prison van accompanied by a police escort and acknowledged a supportive crowd upon arrival.
During the proceedings, Farotimi pleaded not guilty to the 14-count charge brought against him by the police. His counsel, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, filed a preliminary objection, arguing that the charges were not recognized under the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021.
Farotimi is facing prosecution for allegedly defaming Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Afe Babalola. His arrest has drawn public criticism, with figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Omoyele Sowore calling for his release, accusing the government of suppressing dissent. Organizations like Amnesty International have also condemned the arrest, demanding his immediate release. Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) described the arrest as illegal.
The controversy stems from Farotimi’s book, “Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System,” which critiques systemic issues within Nigeria’s legal and judicial landscape. Following his arrest, the book gained significant attention, topping Amazon’s bestseller list in its category. However, a court injunction has halted its further production, distribution, and sale, following a lawsuit filed by Babalola, who alleges that the book contains defamatory statements.
Farotimi’s detention has sparked widespread outrage, with activists, legal practitioners, and civil society organizations condemning the action as an attempt to stifle free speech and dissent. In response, supporters organized protests with the hashtag #FreeDeleFarotimiNow, led by Omoyele Sowore, launched social media campaigns, and initiated legal actions demanding his immediate release and urging the Nigerian government to uphold democratic principles.
The protests included demonstrations in major cities such as Lagos, Abuja, and Ado-Ekiti, where participants demanded Farotimi’s release and the dismissal of the charges against him. Protesters carried placards with messages like “Justice for Dele” and “End the Silencing of Critics,” while legal professionals organized symbolic marches in solidarity with their detained colleague.