Dele Farotimi, a prominent human rights advocate, has regained his freedom after meeting the stringent bail conditions set by an Ado-Ekiti magistrate court. Farotimi was released from the Ekiti State correctional facility on Tuesday morning, following his arrest on December 3 for alleged defamation against renowned legal luminary Afe Babalola.
The controversy surrounding Farotimi’s arrest stems from his book, “Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System,” which was released on July 2. In the book, Farotimi accused Babalola and other Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) of corrupting Justices of the Supreme Court. Babalola’s team subsequently filed a petition against Farotimi, leading to his arrest and arraignment in court on charges of defamation and cyberbullying.
Farotimi’s bail conditions included a N30 million bond, two sureties (one of whom must be a property owner), the submission of his passport, and a prohibition on granting media interviews once released. However, in a surprising move, Farotimi addressed the media after his release, asserting his integrity and stating that he had never lied against anyone in his life.
“It is not ever an easy journey when you are fighting evil, but some years back, before I started this work, God told me that the truth is enough. It is the only weapon with which you can slay the monster called Nigeria, which is the truth,” Farotimi said.
Farotimi’s release has been met with relief from his supporters, who have been advocating for his freedom. However, the case against him is far from over, as he still faces multiple charges in both the magistrate court and the federal high court.
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had filed 12 additional charges against Farotimi at the Ekiti Federal High Court on December 6. These charges are separate from the defamation charges initially brought against him by Babalola’s team.
As the case against Farotimi continues to unfold, his supporters remain steadfast in their commitment to his cause. Omoyele Sowore, a prominent social activist, confirmed Farotimi’s release on his X handle, stating, “I am pleased to report that Dele Farotimi is no longer being held at the prison yards in Ekiti State and is now returning home to Lagos. The struggle continues!”.
