Human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi remains in custody as the Magistrate Court denies bail amid defamation and cybercrime allegations
The Magistrate Court in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, has denied the bail application of prominent human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi, extending his detention by an additional ten days.
Background Of The Case Against Farotimi
Farotimi’s legal troubles began with a petition from renowned Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and founder of Afe Babalola University, Afe Babalola, who accused him of defamation. The accusations stem from Farotimi’s book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System, in which he alleged that Babalola had influenced judges improperly.
Following the petition, the police charged Farotimi with criminal defamation, among other offenses. Initially, the case involved 16 charges, later reduced to 14. Farotimi appeared in court on December 10, 2024, and pleaded not guilty to all charges.
On December 9, the Federal High Court granted Farotimi bail with strict conditions, including a sum of N50 million and a surety possessing landed property within the court’s jurisdiction. However, Farotimi has remained in custody, as these conditions have not yet been met.
During proceedings on December 10, the prosecution challenged the bail application in the Magistrate Court, calling it irregular and incompetent. Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun upheld the prosecution’s objection, postponing a decision on the bail application to December 20, 2024.
Farotimi’s defense, led by Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN), contends that the charges are baseless and the court lacks jurisdiction to proceed. In their preliminary objection, they cited provisions of Nigerian law they believe invalidate the case.
Despite these arguments, the prosecution, represented by Samson Osobu, argued for continued detention, emphasizing the severity of the charges.
This legal stalemate has ignited public debate, with activists and supporters of Farotimi raising concerns about the implications for freedom of expression in Nigeria. Many view his arrest and detention as an intimidation tactic aimed at stifling critical voices.
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