An Ado-Ekiti Magistrates’ Court has granted N30 million bail to Dele Farotimi, a lawyer and human rights activist, amid his ongoing defamation trial.
Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun, presiding over the case, approved the bail application on Friday under strict conditions. These included the provision of two responsible sureties, the surrender of Farotimi’s international passport, and a prohibition against granting media interviews while the case is in progress.
The court also ruled that Farotimi’s lead counsel, Olumide Fusika, SAN, is barred from appearing in the matter, citing Section 9 of the Magistrates’ Courts Law 2014 as the basis for the decision.
Farotimi has pleaded not guilty to the defamation charges brought against him by the Ekiti State Police Command. The charges stem from a petition by elder statesman and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Afe Babalola, who accused the activist of criminal defamation in a recently published book.
Farotimi is facing legal battles in two courts over allegations of defaming Babalola. On December 9, the Federal High Court in Ekiti had granted him N50 million bail with one surety over a 12-count charge of cybercrime filed by the inspector-general of police. However, Farotimi was unable to meet the Federal High Court’s bail conditions.
With the new bail ruling, Farotimi’s case continues to draw public attention as the activist battles to clear his name.
