By Damilare Adeleye
An Ekiti State Magistrate Court hearing Afe Babalola’s defamation case has granted human rights lawyer and activist, Dele Farotimi, a N50 million bail.
The bail conditions also require a surety of the same amount, with landed property as collateral.
Omoyele Sowore, the 2023 African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, shared this development on his X handle on Monday.
Sowore also revealed that the case has been adjourned to January 29, 2025.
“BREAKING: The first hurdle was crossed. @DeleFarotimi was granted bail of N50 million naira surety in the like sum with someone with landed property.
“The Case was Adjourned to 29 January 2025,” the former presidential candidate wrote.
Farotimi was arrested following a petition from a renowned legal figure, Afe Babalola (SAN).
Farotimi was accused of publishing false statements in his book ‘Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System’, which is said to have tarnished Babalola’s reputation.
According to the charges, Farotimi’s book, which was widely circulated, contained damaging claims against Babalola and his law firm.
In particular, the book accused Babalola and other lawyers of influencing the Supreme Court in a corrupt manner.
The court argued that these statements, which were allegedly false, could cause public fear, harm reputations, and disturb the peace.
