New reports on the Farotimi case reveal that a federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, has granted N50 million bail to Human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi.
This was revealed in a post on X by activist and 2023 presidential candidate of the Action Alliance Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore on Monday.
In the post, he said: “BREAKING: The first hurdle was crossed. @DeleFarotimi was granted bail of N50 million naira surety in the like sum with someone with landed property. The Case was Adjourned to 29 January 2025.”
Farotimi was arrested following allegations of defaming a prominent legal figure and founder of Afe Babalola University, Aare Afe Babalola, SAN.
The lawyer and activist is accused of damaging the reputation of Afe Babalola through statements made in his recently released book, ‘Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.’
Farotimi, who was arraigned last Wednesday, pleaded not guilty to all sixteen charges against him.
Police prosecutor, Samson Osun, requested that the defendant be held in custody while further investigations are conducted, citing the need for maintaining public safety.
In response, the defendant’s attorney, Dayo Akeredolu, contested this request, urging the court to grant bail under lenient conditions and based on self-recognition.
He emphasized that the case is eligible for bail and that the defendant is a well-known individual who does not pose a threat.
