The court appearance of Dele Farotimi, a prominent human rights activist and legal practitioner, has attracted significant attention. Farotimi was brought to a high court in Ekiti State in handcuffs following his arrest at his Lagos residence. His detention stems from a defamation lawsuit filed by Chief Afe Babalola, a renowned Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).
The 95-year-old legal luminary alleges that Farotimi's book, Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System, contains statements that harm his reputation. During the court session, Farotimi was granted bail with stringent conditions, including a ₦50 million bond and a surety of equal value, who must own a landed property.
This case underscores the ongoing debates about freedom of expression and the legal boundaries surrounding defamation in Nigeria. It also raises questions about the balance between protecting reputations and safeguarding the rights of activists to critique public figures and institutions.