After meeting his bail conditions, prominent human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi, has regained his freedom from the correctional center in Ekiti State.
Farotimi was released on Tuesday morning, following last week’s ruling by a magistrate court in Ado-Ekiti, which granted him bail on the condition of a ₦30 million bond, two sureties (one of whom must own property), submission of his passport, and a ban on granting media interviews.
Addressing journalists shortly after his release, Farotimi reaffirmed his commitment to truth and denied ever spreading falsehoods against anyone.
“It is not ever an easy journey when you are fighting evil,” Farotimi said. “But before I started this work, God told me that the truth is enough. It is the only weapon with which you can slay the monster called Nigeria. I have never lied against anyone. If I don’t know something, I will say I don’t know.”
Farotimi’s legal troubles began following the release of his book, ‘Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System’, on July 2, 2024.
In the 116-page publication, Farotimi alleged that some Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), including Aare Afe Babalola, had engaged in judicial corruption by influencing Supreme Court Justices.
Babalola subsequently accused Farotimi of defamation, leading to his arrest at his Lagos office on December 3 by operatives attached to the Ekiti State Police Command. Farotimi was transported to Ekiti State, where he faced defamation and cyberbullying charges.
In addition to the defamation claims brought by Babalola’s legal team, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, filed 12 more charges against Farotimi at the Federal High Court in Ekiti on December 6, 2024.
Farotimi maintained that his book reflected facts and insights into Nigeria’s justice system, adding that his work was aimed at reforming rather than attacking the legal profession.
“It is the truth that will set this country free,” Farotimi said, vowing to continue his advocacy for justice and fairness despite the legal battles.
The case is expected to proceed in January 2025, with prosecutors set to present additional evidence. Meanwhile, Farotimi’s legal team is reportedly considering a motion to quash the charges.
Farotimi’s arrest and detention have drawn public outrage, with many civil society organizations condemning what they describe as an attempt to silence dissent.