Dele Farotimi, a prominent human rights lawyer, has been granted bail by the Ekiti State High Court in the sum of N50 million, with a surety possessing a landed property of equivalent value. This decision follows his arrest by the Ekiti State Police Command based on a defamation lawsuit filed by Chief Afe Babalola, a 95-year-old Senior Advocate of Nigeria.
The case centers around allegations of defamation in Farotimi's book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System. His arrest has provoked widespread outrage, with civil society groups and the Nigerian Bar Association demanding his release and condemning the infringement on his rights. The court has adjourned the matter to January 29, 2025, for further proceedings.
This incident highlights ongoing tensions regarding freedom of expression in Nigeria, especially when powerful figures are involved.