The Ekiti State High Court has granted bail to human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi, setting the amount at N50 million.
The court's decision comes amidst a contentious defamation case brought against Farotimi by Chief Afe Babalola, a prominent Senior Advocate of Nigeria.
The bail conditions stipulate that Farotimi must provide a surety with assets equivalent to the bail amount in landed property.
The court has adjourned further proceedings to January 29, 2025. The legal battle stems from allegations made by Chief Babalola, who claims that Farotimi defamed him in his book titled "Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System."
Following these accusations, Farotimi was arrested by the Ekiti State Police Command, an action that sparked widespread outrage across Nigeria.
Civil society organizations and the Nigerian Bar Association have been vocal in their support for Farotimi, calling for his immediate release.
The arrest has ignited discussions on defamation, free speech, and the role of advocacy groups in safeguarding human rights within the country.
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