The Federal High Court in Ado Ekiti on Monday granted bail to lawyer and activist, Dele Farotimi, following charges filed by the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, over alleged cybercrime.
Farotimi faced a 12-count charge, amended on Monday morning, stemming from comments he made during an interview related to his book, *Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System*. The book contained claims concerning the founder of Afe Babalola University, Aare Afe Babalola.
Justice Babs Kuewumi presided over the case and granted Farotimi bail in the sum of ₦50 million with a surety in like sum. The surety must reside in Ekiti State and possess landed property. Farotimi’s travel passport was also ordered to be deposited with the court.
Speaking after the ruling, a member of the defense team, Ralph Nwoke, explained that efforts were underway to meet the bail conditions. “Our client has been taken to the custodian center while we work to fulfill the requirements to secure his release,” Nwoke said.
Another defense lawyer, Ayodele Ademiluyi, described the charges against Farotimi as primarily centered on disseminating information online that could disrupt public order. Farotimi pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Ademiluyi also criticized the claim of “criminal defamation,” which was the basis of Farotimi’s earlier arraignment before an Ekiti State Magistrate’s Court. “The criminal law of Ekiti State does not recognize an offence known as criminal defamation, and we will argue this vigorously in court,” he asserted.
Farotimi was initially arrested last week in Lagos, following a petition by Afe Babalola, and arraigned on defamation-related charges at a Magistrate’s Court in Ado Ekiti. That court had ordered his remand pending a bail hearing scheduled for December 10.
Meanwhile, a group known as *Justice for Afe Babalola Legacy (JABL)* held a press conference in Ado Ekiti, demanding justice for the elder statesman. The group’s Publicity Secretary, Rotimi Opeyeoluwa, insisted that Farotimi must provide evidence to back his allegations against Babalola or face the law.
“We demand justice for Afe Babalola, a man whose reputation has been tarnished. This matter must be thoroughly interrogated in court,” Opeyeoluwa said.
Chief Michael Osaloni, the Olotin of Ado Ekiti, also spoke at the event, warning against planned protests in the state. “Those planning to protest should steer clear of Ekiti as they will not like the outcome. Let the courts handle this matter,” Osaloni cautioned.
The case continues, with hearings at both the Federal High Court and the Magistrate’s Court expected to clarify the legal questions surrounding the charges.
