Dele Farotimi regains freedom after meeting bail conditions

December 24, 2024

By Adedoja Adesoji

Human rights lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi has been released from prison after meeting his bail conditions.

According to politician and activist Omoyele Sowore, Farotimi is now on his way back to his Lagos home.

Farotimi was arrested earlier in the month for allegedly defaming Afe Babalola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and founder of Afe Babalola University.

He was remanded in a correctional centre in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State capital, until he met his bail conditions.

Sowore announced Farotimi’s release on X, saying: “I am pleased to report that Dele Farotimi is no longer being held at the prison yards in Ekiti state and is now returning home to Lagos. The struggle continues!”

A Chief Magistrate Court in Ado Ekiti had granted Farotimi a N30 million bail, with conditions that included two sureties, one of whom must be a property owner, submission of his passport, and a prohibition on granting media interviews once released.

Confirming his release, lawyer and activist Chii Odinakalu wrote on X: “In Ekiti, @DeleFarotimi has perfected bail & regained his freedom. He’ll be on his way back to Lagos. To all the friends of Justice who have been vigilant through this, we say please remain vigilant. It is not the end nor the beginning of the end. This is an #AttritionMarathon.”

Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate, had offered to stand as a surety for Farotimi’s bail.