To the consternation of lawyers and others of the human rights community, Dele Farotimi was brought to court today in handcuffs as the Ekiti State High Court granted bail at the sum of ₦50 million.
The conditions for bail include a surety with the same sum and ownership of a landed property.
The Ekiti State High Court has approved bail for human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi, setting the amount at ₦50 million.
The conditions for bail include a surety with the same sum and ownership of a landed property.
Reacting to Farotimi’s court appearance, activist lawyer, Deji Adeyanju posted on X, “Shame on everyone involved in this embarrassment to the legal profession.
“A lawyer in handcuffs over defamation, not armed robbery, kidnapping or any crime.
“No wonder they abducted Dele Farotimi and took him to where Baba Afe Babalola is king, Ekiti.”
The case, linked to a defamation suit brought by Chief Afe Babalola, claims Farotimi’s book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System, damaged his reputation.
Another human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong wonders why Farotimi had to be brought to court in handcuffs when he is neither violent nor resisted being taken to court.
“Dele Farotimi is a political prisoner and will come out stronger,” he concluded.
Farotimi’s arrest by the Ekiti Police sparked reactions from civil right groups and the Nigerian Bar Association.
Many criticized the move, describing it as a threat to freedom of expression and justice.
The case will continue on January 29, 2025.
Babalola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, claims Farotimi’s book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System, damaged his reputation.
