A Chief Magistrate’s Court in Ado Ekiti has granted bail in the amount of N30 million to human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi.
According to reports from CIRCLESON TELEVISION, Mr. Farotimi was apprehended earlier this month on allegations of defamation against Afe Babalola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and the founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD).
Mr. Farotimi, who had been remanded in a correctional facility in Ado Ekiti, arrived at the court premises at approximately 9:45 AM on Friday, accompanied by a significant police presence.
A viral video shows the human rights lawyer being transported in a prison van with a police escort, whereupon he dignifiedly exited the vehicle, raising his hands in appreciation to the supportive crowd gathered outside the court.
During the previous session, presiding Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun had deferred his ruling on the bail application until December 20, the same day as the latest proceedings, and had ordered Mr. Farotimi to remain in custody. The accused has pleaded not guilty to the 14-count charge brought against him by the Ekiti State Police.
Mr. Farotimi's legal representative, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, has also submitted a preliminary objection, urging the court to dismiss the charges.
Mr. Olumide-Fusika asserts that the charges filed are not legally recognized, contending that the offense of defamation is not acknowledged under the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021.