JUST IN: Dele Farotimi Meets Bail Conditions, Regains Freedom
After spending 21 days in detention, human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi has been released from prison custody in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, just in time to celebrate Christmas at home.
Farotimi’s arrest on December 3, 2024, by the Ekiti State Command of the Nigeria Police, had sparked public outrage. The arrest followed a defamation petition filed by legal luminary Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, over claims made in Farotimi’s recently published book, “Nigeria And Its Criminal Justice System.”
Release Announced by Sowore
Farotimi’s release was announced by former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore on Tuesday after the lawyer successfully met the bail conditions set by the court.
“I am pleased to report that Dele Farotimi is no longer being held at the prison yards in Ekiti State and is now returning home to Lagos,” Sowore wrote on his X handle. “The struggle continues! Happy holidays to you all!”
Bail Conditions
The Ekiti Chief Magistrate’s Court had, on December 20, 2024, granted Farotimi bail under the following conditions:
- A bond of ₦30 million.
- Two sureties (one of whom must own a house).
- Surrender of his passport.
- A ban on media interviews.
This came in addition to a prior ₦50 million bail set by a Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti, bringing the total bail requirements to ₦80 million.
Arrest and Legal Battle
Farotimi was initially arrested in Lagos on December 3, 2024, and arraigned in Ekiti the following day. His detention attracted widespread criticism, especially from civil society groups and activists.
The outspoken lawyer, a known supporter of Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, and a vocal critic of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration, is also facing defamation trials in two other High Courts located in Ibadan and Abuja.
