Human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi has been granted bail in the sum of N30 million by a Magistrate Court in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, where he faces defamation charges against Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Afe Babalola.
Farotimi arrived at the Magistrate Court premises around 9:45 am on Friday in a prison van with police escort.
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Upon alighting, he raised his hands in appreciation to a cheering crowd gathered outside the court.
The bail ruling follows an earlier court session where Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun had reserved judgment until December 20 and ordered the activist’s remand in prison custody.
During the proceedings, Farotimi entered a not guilty plea to all 14 counts brought against him by the police.
His legal representative, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, filed a preliminary objection requesting the court to dismiss the charges.
Olumide-Fusika argued that the charges were legally invalid, stating that defamation is not recognized under the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021. The case, being heard at the chief magistrate’s court in Ado Ekiti, centers on allegations that Farotimi defamed renowned legal practitioner Afe Babalola, SAN.
The development marks a significant turn in the high-profile case that has drawn considerable public attention in the state capital.
Farotimi had been held at a correctional facility in Ado Ekiti prior to the bail ruling.
