Embattled human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi was today granted bail in the sum of N30m with two sureties resident in Ado Ekiti.
The Magistrate Court asked him to deposit his travel passport, barred him from granting press interviews and be of good behaviour.
Before today’s sitting, the court was heavily secured with law enforcement officers on Friday morning, as the long-awaited hearing involving Dele Farotimi was set to begin.
Farotimi arrived at the court premises amid a strong presence of police officers and other security personnel.
The human rights lawyer’s arrest followed a petition by Chief Afe Babalola, a prominent Nigerian lawyer.
The case, identified as suit no: MAD/1,476.C/2024, features the Ekiti State Commissioner of Police as the complainant, with Farotimi as the defendant.
The charges against him include allegations related to his book, “Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System”, which was published and circulated globally, including in Ado-Ekiti. One specific accusation, from page IX of the book, reads: “That Aare Afe Babalola corrupted the Supreme Court to procure a fraudulent judgment in the service of his clients,” a statement deemed likely to cause public alarm. The charge is brought under Section 59(1) of the Criminal Code Act, claiming that Farotimi knew or had reason to believe the statement was false.
Security forces, including police and other operatives, were stationed at strategic points around the court building, as the magistrate is set to decide on the bail request. Farotimi had been denied bail previously on December 4, 2024.
