Human rights lawyer and whistle-blower, Dele Farotimi has been granted bail by the Ekiti State High Court in the sum of N50 million, with a surety of equal value. The court also required the surety to own landed property.
Mr Farotimi is standing trial for allegedly defaming senior lawyer, Afe Babalola (SAN) in his book, titled: “Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System”, where he alleged that Babalola corrupted the judiciary to secure favourable rulings.
S.O. Osobu Esq appeared for the Prosecution. He applied for the charge to be read to the Defendant. Professor Festus Emiri SAN leading Ralph Nwoke Esq and Ayodele Ademiluyi Esq appeared for Dele Farotimi.
Upon the charge being read to him, Dele Farotimi pleaded not guilty . The Prosecution applied for him to be remanded in custody of Ado-Ekiti Correctional Centre, where he has been since be remanded by the Magistrate Court upon his arraignment on Thursday before his arraignment.
Professor Festus Emiri SAN applied that the Defendant be granted bail on liberal terms being a legal practitioner. The Court there upon granted bail to the Defendant with one surety , 50 million naira bail bond in like sum, with a built residence in Ekiti State , title deed to be furnished and 4 passport photographs of the Defendant and Surety with the Defendant ‘s International Passport to be furnished to the Court.
The matter has been adjourned to January 29, 2025, for further proceedings.
The arrest and prosecution of Farotimi have sparked widespread condemnation from civil rights groups and legal practitioners, with calls for his release. Despite his not guilty plea to all 16 charges, Farotimi was initially remanded in custody by the court, which later granted bail under stringent conditions.
