A magistrates' court in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, has granted N30 million bail to Dele Farotimi, a lawyer and human rights activist, in a high-profile defamation case.
Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun, presiding over the hearing on Friday, ruled in favor of Farotimi’s bail application but imposed strict conditions.
As part of the bail requirements, Farotimi is to provide two responsible sureties and must surrender his international passport to the court. Additionally, the magistrate ordered that the activist refrain from granting media interviews while the case is ongoing, further intensifying public interest in the proceedings.
The case stems from a petition filed by elder statesman and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Afe Babalola, who accused Farotimi of criminal defamation in his recently published book.
The Ekiti State Police Command subsequently arraigned Farotimi, escalating the matter into a legal battle that has captured national attention.
The details of the defamation claim and the specifics of the alleged statements in Farotimi’s book remain closely guarded, with both sides preparing for what is likely to be a contentious trial.
Farotimi, a well-known activist, has built a reputation for his outspoken views on governance and human rights in Nigeria.
The restriction on media engagements adds another layer of intrigue, given his history of using public platforms to address social issues.
As the case unfolds, it promises to shed light on the balance between freedom of expression and the limits of defamation under Nigerian law. More details are expected as court proceedings progress.