ADO-EKITI, Nigeria (CHATNEWSTV) — Human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi has been granted bail by the Ekiti State High Court after being accused of defaming Chief Afe Babalola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, in a controversial book.
Justice Olusegun Adebayo approved bail on Friday, setting conditions at ₦50 million, with a surety who must own a landed property of equivalent value. The court adjourned the case to Jan. 29, 2025, for further proceedings.
Farotimi’s arrest by the Ekiti State Police Command, following a petition from Babalola, 95, drew sharp criticism nationwide. Babalola alleged that Farotimi’s book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System, contained defamatory statements against him.
Civil society groups and the Nigerian Bar Association condemned the arrest, calling it an attack on freedom of expression. “The arrest of Mr. Farotimi over his opinions is deeply troubling,” said Kolawole Adebayo, a spokesperson for the Nigerian Bar Association.
Farotimi, known for his vocal criticism of Nigeria’s political and judicial systems, has yet to comment publicly on the case. His supporters have pledged to continue advocating for his release and dismissal of the charges.
Babalola, a respected legal luminary, has not responded to the public outcry but remains firm in his legal pursuit. “This case is about protecting my integrity and the truth,” he said through his counsel.
