The Chief Magistrate Court in Ado-Ekiti is hearing the defamation case filed by legal luminary Afe Babalola (SAN) against Lagos-based human rights lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi over alleged defamatory content in his 104-page book, Nigeria and its Criminal Justice.
Babalola had petitioned the police, alleging that certain sections of the book defamed him. The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, subsequently filed charges of cybercrime against Farotimi, leading to his arrest in Lagos last week.
During Monday’s court session, Farotimi was granted bail of N50 million with a surety in like sum, who must reside in Ekiti State and own landed property. The court also ordered Farotimi to submit his travel passport. He arrived at the court in a police security van accompanied by correctional officers.
The presiding magistrate, Abayomi Adeosun, had earlier remanded Farotimi in a correctional facility while adjourning the case until December 10 for the bail hearing.
Meanwhile, activist Omoyele Sowore has called for protests in Ekiti, Lagos, Abuja, and London’s Kings College in solidarity with Farotimi. However, as of Tuesday morning, no protests have been observed in Ado-Ekiti.
The case has sparked national discourse on freedom of speech and defamation, with legal experts debating the balance between individual reputation and public critique.
