JUST-IN: Human Rights Lawyer, Dele Farotimi Finally Granted N30 Million Naira Bail
An Ekiti State Chief Magistrate’s Court has granted a N30 million bail to Dele Farotimi.
The human rights lawyer, Farotimi was arrested weeks ago for alleged defamation of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, ABUAD, Afe Babalola.
Following this, there had been clamours for his release with some Nigerians on social media calling the arrest unjust.
Today, Farotimi, who was remanded in a correctional centre in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, arrived at the Magistrate Court premises around 9:45 am amid heavy security presence.
According to a viral video clip, the human rights lawyer was conveyed to the court premises in a prison’s van with a police escort, alighting while raising his hands up in appreciation of a cheering crowd outside the court.
The magistrate, Abayomi Adeosun, had at the last sitting, reserved ruling till December 20 (today) on the bail application and ordered that the activist be remanded in prison.
Farotimi had pleaded not guilty to the 14-count charge preferred against him by the Ekiti State Police.
His counsel, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, had also filed a preliminary objection asking the court to strike out the charge.
According to him, the charge before the court was unknown to law and the offence of defamation was not recognised under the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021.
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