Dele Farotimi Released After Meeting Bail Conditions

Human rights advocate Dele Farotimi has regained his freedom after meeting bail conditions set by a magistrate court in Ado-Ekiti. He was released on Tuesday morning from the correctional facility in Ekiti State.

Last Friday, Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun granted Farotimi bail set at N30 million with two sureties, stipulating that one must be a property owner within the court’s jurisdiction and both must be “responsible citizens in society.” The court also retained Farotimi’s international passport and prohibited him from granting media interviews while the case is ongoing.

Farotimi faces a 14-count charge of alleged defamation. The charges stem from claims of “criminal defamation” of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Afe Babalola in Farotimi’s book Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System. The activist pleaded not guilty to all charges.

In a separate case, the Federal High Court in Ekiti had earlier granted Farotimi N50 million bail with one surety over a 12-count cybercrime charge filed by the Inspector-General of Police.

Addressing his supporters after his release, Farotimi maintained his commitment to truth, stating, “In my public advocacy, I have never lied against anyone. If I don’t know, I will say I don’t know. The truth is the only weapon that can be used to change the country.”