The Chief Magistrate Court in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, is currently hearing a case involving prominent Nigerian figures Afe Babalola (SAN) and Lagos-based human rights lawyer and activist, Dele Farotimi. Babalola, an elder statesman, has accused Farotimi of defamation in relation to Farotimi’s book, Nigeria and its Criminal Justice, claiming that certain sections of the 104-page work insulted him. As a result, Babalola filed a petition, prompting the police to take action against the activist.
On Monday, the Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti granted bail to Farotimi, who had been arrested on charges of alleged cybercrime following a suit filed by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. Farotimi arrived at the court in a police security van, escorted by officials from the correctional centre, just before 10:00 am. Both the defense and prosecution teams had been waiting for Farotimi’s arrival.
The arrest occurred after Babalola submitted a petition to the police, leading to Farotimi’s detention in Lagos on Tuesday. Farotimi was subsequently brought before the Ado-Ekiti Magistrate Court last Wednesday, facing charges of defaming Babalola. Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun remanded Farotimi in the correctional facility, with the case adjourned to December 10 to hear his bail application.
Farotimi’s bail was granted at N50 million, with the stipulation that he must provide a surety in a similar amount who resides in Ekiti State and owns a piece of landed property. Additionally, Farotimi’s travel passport is to be deposited with the court as part of the bail conditions.
In the midst of the legal proceedings, human rights activist Omoyele Sowore had called for a protest in multiple cities, including Ekiti, Lagos, Abuja, and London, in solidarity with Farotimi. However, as of this morning, there were no indications that the protest had taken place in Ado-Ekiti, and it remains uncertain whether it will occur.
This case has sparked significant attention, especially given the high-profile nature of both individuals involved, and it is set to continue shaping discussions around defamation, free speech, and legal accountability in Nigeria.
Gathered by: Onoro Promise Edesiri