A Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, has granted prominent human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi, bail in the sum of N50 million. The bail was granted in connection to a defamation case filed by Senior Advocate of Nigeria and founder of Afe Babalola University, Aare Afe Babalola.
The news was disclosed by Omoyele Sowore, a former presidential candidate under the African Action Congress (AAC), via his social media platform on Monday. According to Sowore, the bail conditions include a surety who must also provide a landed property worth the same amount as collateral. The case has been adjourned to January 29, 2025.
Background to the Case
Dele Farotimi was arrested last week in Lagos and subsequently transported to Ado-Ekiti to face trial over allegations made in his book titled Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System. In the book, Farotimi accused Aare Afe Babalola of engaging in judicial malpractice, including corrupting the Supreme Court to secure fraudulent judgments for his clients. The claims outlined in the book include allegations that:
- Babalola’s law firm manipulated court judgments to obtain fraudulent execution warrants.
- Justice Atilade issued and later overturned a contentious warrant under questionable circumstances.
- The judiciary’s integrity has been compromised through corruption involving Babalola and his associates.
- Nigeria’s justice system is fundamentally flawed and incapable of delivering true justice.
These allegations have been strongly denied by Babalola, who described them as baseless and defamatory, aimed at tarnishing his reputation and legacy. He further demanded the removal of the book from circulation.
Fresh Allegations
In addition to the defamation case, the Ekiti State Police Command filed a fresh 12-count charge against Farotimi, focusing on alleged cybercrime violations. These charges stem from comments he made during an online interview about his book, accusing Aare Afe Babalola of judicial corruption. The police argue that the statements were false and intended to incite public unrest, violating Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act of 2015.
Legal and Public Reactions
The legal tussle has attracted widespread public attention and criticism from activists and civil rights groups, many of whom view the charges as an attempt to silence dissent and stifle free speech. Farotimi’s supporters have urged the courts to ensure a fair trial while also advocating for the protection of freedom of expression in Nigeria.
As the case progresses, all eyes are on the January 2025 court hearing, which promises to be a pivotal moment in the ongoing legal battle between Farotimi and Babalola. This development underscores the delicate balance between safeguarding reputations and upholding the principles of free speech in Nigeria’s legal and judicial framework.
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