A Chief Magistrate’s Court in Ado Ekiti has granted N30 million bail to human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi, following his arrest earlier this month for allegedly defaming Afe Babalola, Senior Advocate of Nigeria and founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD).
Farotimi, who had been remanded in a correctional facility in Ado Ekiti, appeared at the court premises on Friday morning amid heavy security. A viral video showed him being escorted by a prison van, raising his hands in appreciation to a cheering crowd outside the court.
The court had previously reserved its ruling on Farotimi’s bail application, which was heard on December 20. Farotimi pleaded not guilty to the 14-count charge filed against him by the Ekiti State Police. His defense counsel, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, filed a preliminary objection, arguing that the charge was legally flawed, as defamation is not an offense under the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021.
The magistrate, Abayomi Adeosun, granted the bail, allowing Farotimi to return to his defense.
