By Divine Sam
A Chief Magistrate’s Court in Ado Ekiti has granted bail to human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi, in the sum of N30 million. Farotimi was arrested earlier this month on allegations of defaming Afe Babalola, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria and founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD).
The lawyer was remanded in a correctional facility in Ado Ekiti before appearing in court, where he was escorted by a police van. Upon his arrival, Farotimi raised his hands in appreciation to a crowd outside the court.
During a previous court sitting, the magistrate, Abayomi Adeosun, had reserved the ruling on the bail application until December 20, while also ordering Farotimi’s remand. Farotimi faced 14 charges filed by the Ekiti State Police and pleaded not guilty. His lawyer, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, also filed a preliminary objection seeking to strike out the charges, arguing that defamation was not recognized under the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021.
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