An Ado-Ekiti Magistrates’ Court has granted bail to human rights activist and businessman Dele Farotimi, who is facing defamation charges brought against him by prominent Nigerian lawyer, Afe Babalola.
Justice Abayomi Adeosun set the conditions for Farotimi’s bail, which include a sum of thirty million Naira, two sureties, and the surrender of his passport. The judge further ordered that Farotimi must comply with any interview requests and adjourned the hearing to February 13, 2025.
Afe Babalola has filed a 33-count defamation lawsuit against Farotimi, accusing him of damaging his reputation and attempting to create public unrest, which could potentially destabilize the country.
Farotimi was arrested by police in Lagos and transferred to Ekiti, where he is facing 16 charges. The case is being handled between Farotimi and the Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Samson Osun.
One of the key allegations is that Farotimi wrote a book titled Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System, in which he accused Babalola of corrupting the Nigerian justice system to secure favorable outcomes for his clients. According to court documents, Farotimi was aware that these claims were false but went ahead with publishing them.
The charge sheet also highlights that Farotimi’s statements in the book could harm Babalola’s reputation. He is being charged under Section 373 of the Nigerian Criminal Code, which is punishable under Section 375.
Earlier, Farotimi spoke to the media, claiming that there were attempts to abduct him. He insisted that anyone who felt wronged by his actions should take him to court, as he considers himself a law-abiding citizen.
Farotimi’s book, Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System, published in November 2024, addresses a variety of issues, including a land dispute in the Eti Osa area of Lagos, which was litigated and won by Babalola’s associates. It also criticizes several judicial decisions, alleging mishandling of cases by the Nigerian judiciary.
