By Divine Sam
In a significant development, the Ekiti State High Court has granted bail to human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi, who was arrested by the Ekiti State Police Command following a defamation complaint by prominent Nigerian lawyer, Chief Afe Babalola. Farotimi was granted bail in the sum of N50 million, with a surety also required to provide a similar amount, and the surety must own landed property. The court has adjourned the matter to January 29, 2025, for further proceedings.
Farotimi’s arrest was triggered by allegations from Babalola, 95, who accused him of defaming him in his book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System. The case has attracted significant attention and sparked protests from civil society groups and the Nigerian Bar Association, which have called for Farotimi’s immediate release, condemning what they view as an attempt to stifle dissent and free expression.
The ongoing case highlights broader concerns about freedom of speech and the potential misuse of legal processes to silence critics in Nigeria.