- Federal High Court Sets Bail at N50 Million Amid Ongoing Legal Battle
- Afe Babalola Legacy Group Demands Justice; Protests Loom in Ekiti
- Farotimi Challenges Charges of Criminal Defamation in Ekiti State
The Federal High Court in Ado Ekiti on Monday granted bail to lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi, following a suit filed by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, accusing him of cybercrime.
Farotimi, who is facing 12 counts of cybercrime related to an interview about his book, Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System, which discusses the founder of Afe Babalola University, Aare Afe Babalola, was arraigned earlier by the police after a petition by Babalola.
The case, presided over by Justice Babs Kuewumi, saw Farotimi granted bail under stringent conditions, including N50 million, a surety with landed property in Ekiti, and submission of his travel passport. Defense counsel member Ralph Nwoke expressed optimism about meeting the conditions promptly to secure his release.
Farotimi’s legal troubles began with his arrest in Lagos last Tuesday, followed by his arraignment in an Ekiti Magistrates’ Court, which ordered his remand until December 10. In the amended charges read on Monday, Farotimi pleaded not guilty to allegations of disseminating information capable of causing unrest.
Defense lawyer Ayodele Ademiluyi disputed the legal basis for the charges, arguing that Ekiti State’s criminal law does not recognize criminal defamation. “We will challenge this vociferously in court,” he said, adding that the defense team remains committed to seeking justice.
Meanwhile, tensions in Ekiti are escalating. The Justice for Afe Babalola Legacy group (JABL) held a press conference demanding accountability from Farotimi. JABL Publicity Secretary Rotimi Opeyeoluwa stated, “We demand evidence from Farotimi to substantiate his claims or let justice take its course. Afe Babalola is not victimizing him; the law is simply being upheld.”
Community leader Chief Michael Osaloni issued a stern warning to individuals planning protests in support of Farotimi. “Those contemplating a protest should steer clear of Ekiti. They will not like the outcome,” he said.
The matter returns to the Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday as Farotimi’s defense team prepares to challenge the criminal defamation charges and navigate the unfolding legal drama.
