Human rights advocate, Dele Farotimi, has been regained his freedom following his remand at the Ekiti State Correctional Centre.
Farotimi was allowed to go home after fulfilling his bail conditions on Tuesday morning following a ruling by a Magistrate Court in Ado-Ekiti last Friday, which set his bail at ₦30 million with two sureties.
Theliberationnews reported that Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun stipulated that the sureties must be responsible citizens, with one owning property within the court’s jurisdiction.
In addition, Farotimi was required to submit his international passport and refrain from granting media interviews while his trial is ongoing.
The activist is facing a 14-count charge of alleged defamation. The police accused him of “criminally defaming” Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Afe Babalola in his book, ‘Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System.’ Farotimi pleaded not guilty to all charges.
In a separate case before the Federal High Court in Ekiti, Farotimi faces 12 additional charges related to cybercrime, filed by the Inspector-General of Police. He was previously granted ₦50 million bail in that case, with one surety.
While addressing his teeming supporters after his release, Farotimi reaffirmed his integrity and dedication to truth in his advocacy work.
“In my public advocacy, I have never lied against anyone. If I don’t know something, I will simply say I don’t know,” he said.
He emphasized that truth remains the most effective tool for achieving meaningful change in Nigeria.
