Dele Farotimi, a prominent human rights advocate, has been released from the correctional center in Ekiti State after meeting bail conditions set by a magistrate court in Ado-Ekiti.
Last Friday, Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun granted Farotimi bail in the sum of N30 million with two sureties. One of the sureties must own property within the court’s jurisdiction, and both must be deemed “responsible citizens.” Additionally, the court ordered Farotimi to surrender his international passport and refrain from granting media interviews during the trial.
Farotimi is facing a 14-count charge of alleged defamation, to which he has pleaded not guilty. The charges stem from accusations by the police that he criminally defamed Afe Babalola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), in his book titled “Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System.”
This is not the only legal battle Farotimi is contending with. On December 9, the Federal High Court in Ekiti granted him N50 million bail on a separate 12-count charge of cybercrime filed by the Inspector-General of Police.
Speaking to supporters after his release, Farotimi maintained his innocence, emphasising his commitment to truth in his advocacy work.
“In my public advocacy, I have never lied against anyone. If I don’t know, I will say I don’t know,” he said, adding that truth remains the most powerful tool for driving change in Nigeria.
Farotimi’s trials continue to garner attention, highlighting the broader challenges faced by human rights advocates in Nigeria.
Melissa Enoch
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