Dele Farotimi Released From Ekiti Correctional Centre After Meeting Bail Conditions Tuesday

Human rights advocate Dele Farotimi has been released from the Ekiti State correctional facility after fulfilling his bail conditions. His release occurred on Tuesday morning.

Last Friday, an Ado-Ekiti magistrate court granted Farotimi bail set at ₦30 million with two sureties. Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun specified that the sureties must be “responsible citizens,” with one owning property within the court’s jurisdiction. Additionally, Farotimi was required to surrender his international passport and refrain from granting media interviews while the case is ongoing.

Farotimi, who is facing a 14-count charge of alleged defamation, pleaded not guilty during his arraignment. The charges stem from claims that he “criminally defamed” Afe Babalola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), in his book titled Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.

The activist is also facing trial in a federal high court on related charges. On December 9, the federal high court in Ekiti granted him ₦50 million bail with one surety, following a 12-count charge of cybercrime filed by the Inspector-General of Police.

The cases against Farotimi continue to draw public attention as his legal battles unfold.