Human rights lawyer and activist, Dele Farotimi, has been released from the Ekiti State correctional facility after fulfilling his bail conditions.
Farotimi regained his freedom on Tuesday morning, following his arraignment at a magistrate court in Ado-Ekiti.
The court had granted him bail set at ₦30 million, with additional stipulations, including the provision of two sureties.
Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun specified that the sureties must be “responsible citizens,” with at least one owning property within the court’s jurisdiction.
Farotimi was also required to surrender his international passport and refrain from granting media interviews while the case is ongoing.
The activist is facing a 14-count charge of alleged defamation, stemming from claims made in his book “Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System”, where he allegedly “criminally defamed” senior advocate Afe Babalola.
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Farotimi pleaded not guilty to the charges and is concurrently facing trial in another court over related allegations.
On December 9, the Federal High Court in Ekiti had also granted him bail in a separate case, involving a 12-count cybercrime charge filed by the Inspector-General of Police.
This bail was set at ₦50 million with one surety.
Speaking to supporters after his release, Farotimi reiterated his commitment to truth and integrity.
“In my public advocacy, I have never lied against anyone. If I don’t know something, I will say I don’t know. Truth remains the only weapon that can transform this country,” he said.
