Court grants Dele Farotimi ₦30m bail in alleged defamation case

Human rights lawyer and author Dele Farotimi has been granted bail set at ₦30 million by the Ekiti Magistrate Court in a defamation case involving a senior legal practitioner. The stringent bail conditions require Farotimi to provide a ₦30 million bond, two sureties—one of whom must own property—and surrender his passport. Additionally, he is barred from granting media interviews. Farotimi, known for his book ‘Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System’, faces allegations of defamation filed by Afe Babalola (SAN). The charges stem from claims in the publication, which the complainant contends are damaging to his reputation. Appearing in court on Friday morning, December 20, Farotimi’s case drew significant attention, with heightened security at the courthouse. Nigerian police operatives and other security personnel ensured order during the proceedings. The case, listed under charge number MAD/1,476.C/2024, names the Ekiti State Commissioner of Police as the complainant and Farotimi as the defendant. During the session, the court approved the bail application, setting the stage for further legal proceedings. Farotimi’s legal team has yet to comment on the imposed restrictions, but observers view the case as a critical test of freedom of speech and the boundaries of defamation laws in Nigeria. The next hearing date is expected to delve into the allegations’ substantive issues.