Human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi has walked out of the Ado-Ekiti custodial centre after weeks of detention on charges of alleged defamation.
Farotimi’s release was finalised after enduring multiple bureaucratic hurdles and navigating complex bail conditions set by two different courts in Ekiti State.
The ordeal began with a petition filed by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Chief Afe Babalola, accusing Farotimi of defamation. Acting on the petition, the police brought charges of cybercrime and criminal defamation against the lawyer, resulting in his arrest and eventual trial in two separate courts.
Although both the Federal High Court and an Ekiti Magistrate Court granted bail earlier in December, delays stemming from judicial processes kept Farotimi behind bars.
Bail Drama Unfolds
On December 9, Justice Babs O. Kuewumi of the Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti granted Farotimi bail on a 12-count cybercrime charge. The bail was set at a steep N50 million, requiring a surety who owns a landed property of equivalent value.
However, Farotimi’s release from custody was delayed as court officials needed to verify the authenticity of the submitted documents. This process, involving checks with banks and government agencies, dragged on for days, preventing Justice Kuewumi from signing off on the release papers.
A legal source described the process as “frustrating and unnecessarily complicated.” Speaking anonymously, they said, “The verification hurdles for his sureties’ documents stretched out longer than anticipated, keeping Farotimi incarcerated even after bail had been granted.”
Second Bail, Second Delay
The Magistrate Court in Ado-Ekiti added another twist to the saga. On December 20, Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun granted Farotimi a separate bail set at N30 million, also demanding two responsible sureties and the surrender of his passport.
According to court insiders, Adeosun’s departure from the courtroom immediately after proceedings left critical bail formalities unfinished. This procedural lapse further stalled the lawyer’s release.
“It was shocking,” a family member of Farotimi said. “Everyone thought it was a done deal, but suddenly, there were new hurdles.”
Additionally, the Magistrate prohibited Farotimi’s defence counsel, Yinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN), from continuing to represent his client during the case, further complicating matters for the embattled lawyer.
Cultural Leaders Step In
Farotimi’s case caught the attention of prominent Yoruba socio-cultural leaders. These leaders worked behind the scenes to meet the bail requirements by securing strong sureties to vouch for him. Their intervention ultimately paved the way for the legal formalities to be completed.
“Our goal was to uphold justice,” a source close to the group stated. “We could not watch an esteemed lawyer remain in custody over delays that had nothing to do with his guilt or innocence.”
Restrictions After Release
While Farotimi is now free, strict conditions accompany his release. Among these, he is barred from granting media interviews and must remain in Ekiti State until his next court appearances.
Justice Kuewumi has adjourned the cybercrime case to January 29, 2025, while proceedings in the Magistrate Court are expected to resume early next year.
Legal analysts are monitoring the trial closely, citing it as a litmus test for judicial efficiency and human rights in Nigeria.
Background on Defamation Laws in Nigeria
Defamation cases in Nigeria often bring controversial figures and sensitive topics into the public eye. The law classifies defamation into criminal and civil offences, with the former carrying heavier penalties, including imprisonment.
Farotimi’s case exemplifies the legal entanglements often experienced in high-profile allegations. Accusations of defamation involving public figures typically garner public attention due to the tensions between free speech and protecting individual reputations.
