The Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, has granted human rights lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi bail set at N50 million.
The court’s decision was announced by Omoyele Sowore, the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress in the 2023 elections, via his X account on Monday.
“The first hurdle was crossed. #DeleFarotimi was granted bail of N50 million surety in the like sum with someone with landed property. The case was adjourned to January 29, 2025,” the tweet stated.
Farotimi’s legal troubles stem from allegations of defamation of Aare Afe Babalola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, regarding statements in Farotimi’s book titled “Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System”.
Following his arrest on December 7, 2024, Farotimi has faced significant public scrutiny and calls for his release from various civil society organizations. Meanwhile, the Take It Back Movement has announced plans to continue protests against his detention despite police warnings against unlawful gatherings.
