The Ekiti State High Court has granted bail to activist and lawyer, Dele Farotimi, following his arrest over alleged defamation. The court set bail at ₦50 million, requiring a surety who must also provide ₦50 million and own a landed property.
The case, which has drawn significant public attention, will resume on January 29, 2025, for further proceedings. Farotimi’s legal battle stems from accusations by Chief Afe Babalola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), who is widely respected in legal circles. The 95-year-old Babalola claimed that Farotimi defamed him in a book titled Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System.
The situation escalated when Farotimi was arrested by officers of the Ekiti State Police Command. His detention triggered widespread condemnation, with civil society groups and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) demanding his immediate release.
