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A magistrate court in Ekiti State has granted human rights attorney Dele Farotimi ₦30 million bail in response to accusations of defamation against Afe Babalola. The court orders him to give up his foreign passport, avoid media appearances, and produce three sureties with local real estate. A postponement of his case has been set for February 13, 2025.
Background of the Case
Farotimi was charged with several counts of defamation and cybercrime because of his book "Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System." According to reports, the book makes false accusations against Afe Babalola, claiming that he manipulated the Supreme Court to obtain fictitious rulings for his clients.
Farotimi, who has publicly accused Tinubu of stealing the last presidential election with the aid of INEC's Mahmood Yakubu and the judiciary, is being seen as a victim of the corruptions he is critiquing, either directly or by proxy.
Details of the Bail Conditions
The court's bail conditions are stringent, requiring Farotimi to provide three sureties with local real estate, surrender his international passport, and refrain from media interviews. These requirements are meant to guarantee his adherence to the court's rulings and stop any additional disputes.
Public Reaction and Legal Implications
The case has garnered significant public interest, with many calling for Farotimi's immediate release. Prominent individuals have expressed their support for Farotimi and denounced his arrest as an attempt to quell dissent, including activist Omoyele Sowore and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
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