Prominent activist and lawyer, Dele Farotimi, has been granted bail by the Ekiti State High Court.
The court set a ₦50 million bail bond with a surety of equal value.
The surety must possess landed property to satisfy the conditions.
Farotimi’s next court appearance is scheduled for January 29, 2025.
A Legal Battle That Shook Nigeria
Farotimi’s legal troubles stem from allegations of defamation brought against him by Chief Afe Babalola, a 95-year-old Senior Advocate of Nigeria.
Babalola accused Farotimi of tarnishing his reputation in a book titled Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.
In the book, Farotimi alleged that Babalola engaged in corruption to influence judicial outcomes.
The claims included accusations of tampering with Supreme Court judgments to favor clients.
Farotimi also alleged that the judiciary has been compromised, calling it “fundamentally criminal.”
Babalola denied all allegations, describing them as “deliberate falsehoods” aimed at damaging his legacy.
He demanded the removal of the book from circulation.
Arrest Sparks National Outrage
Farotimi was arrested in Lagos last week and transported to Ado-Ekiti for trial.
His arrest triggered widespread protests from civil society organizations and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
Activists argued that his detention was an attempt to stifle dissent and free speech.
Omoyele Sowore, a human rights advocate and former AAC presidential candidate, described the case as “a blatant misuse of judicial power.”
He posted on X (formerly Twitter), “This is a clear effort to intimidate a voice calling for justice.”
New Cybercrime Charges Filed
Adding to the legal drama, the Ekiti State Police Command filed fresh charges against Farotimi on Friday.
The new 12-count charge focuses on cybercrime allegations.
The police cited a YouTube podcast interview in which Farotimi allegedly made false claims about Babalola.
The charges fall under Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes Act of 2015.
Legal experts have criticized the charges, calling them “vague” and an “overreach of the law.”
Farotimi’s Claims and Controversy
Farotimi’s book has been at the center of intense scrutiny.
In the foreword, he detailed what he called the “systemic corruption” of Nigeria’s justice system.
He accused key players, including Babalola, of compromising judicial integrity.
“Justice is for sale in Nigeria,” Farotimi wrote in one chapter.
The book’s publication has divided opinions, with some praising it as a bold exposé and others condemning it as reckless.
Background on Afe Babalola
Afe Babalola is one of Nigeria’s most renowned lawyers and the founder of Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) in Ekiti State.
With a career spanning decades, Babalola’s reputation has been built on landmark legal victories and philanthropy.
However, the allegations in Farotimi’s book have cast a shadow over his legacy.
“This is an attempt to erase years of hard work and dedication,” Babalola said in a statement.
Civil Society Reacts
Civil society groups have rallied behind Farotimi, describing his ordeal as a test of Nigeria’s democracy.
“Freedom of speech is under attack,” said a spokesperson for the Committee for the Defense of Human Rights.
The NBA has called for transparency in the trial, emphasizing the need to uphold the rule of law.
Farotimi’s bail is a temporary reprieve, but the legal battle is far from over.
His next court date in January 2025 will determine whether the charges hold merit.
Observers say the case will be a litmus test for judicial independence in Nigeria.
“This case is bigger than Farotimi or Babalola,” said legal analyst Chidi Odinkalu.
“It’s about the credibility of our justice system.”
As tensions mount, Nigerians are watching closely to see how the judiciary handles this high-profile case.
