In a contentious legal battle that has drawn nationwide attention, the Magistrate Court in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday denied bail to human rights activist Dele Farotimi.
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The activist is facing charges brought by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, over alleged cybercrime and defamation of Afe Babalola, founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti.
Farotimi’s legal woes stem from claims made in his book, “Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System,” where he alleged that Babalola compromised the Supreme Court.
The court hearing, presided over by Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun, deferred the decision on Farotimi's bail application to December 20 after the police counsel, Samson Osobu, argued that the application was incomplete and improperly filed.
This ruling directly contradicts a Federal High Court decision made on Monday in Ado-Ekiti, which had granted Farotimi bail.
Farotimi, who was arrested in Lagos and transported to Ekiti, now remains in custody at the state correctional centre.
Farotimi’s detention has ignited public outrage, with notable figures and civil society organizations condemning the action.
Former African Action Congress presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, in a post on his X handle, criticized the police for what he called a misuse of authority.
“It is pertinent that the Nigerian police are notified that the institution cannot continue to be used to settle personal scores,” Sowore wrote.
“We, the citizens of Nigeria, would no longer tolerate such a situation. Therefore, the police at Zone 2 in Lagos are advised to release Barrister Dele Farotimi immediately.”
Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, also weighed in, describing the arrest as illegal and demanding Farotimi’s unconditional release. “The arrest is unlawful, and we demand his immediate release from police custody,” Falana stated.
Despite the mounting criticisms, the police have defended their actions, citing Farotimi’s alleged refusal to honor prior invitations as justification for his arrest.
The Inspector General’s office accused the activist of cyberbullying and defamation, insisting that the charges against him are legitimate and must be addressed in court.
Farotimi’s case has become a flashpoint for broader concerns about freedom of expression and the alleged misuse of state institutions to target dissenting voices.
Many see the case as a test of Nigeria’s justice system and its commitment to protecting fundamental rights.
As the legal battle unfolds, all eyes will be on the December 20 bail hearing, which could determine whether Farotimi’s detention is prolonged or if he regains his freedom amid growing calls for justice.