By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
Human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi has been granted bail by an Ekiti State Magistrate Court, following a defamation lawsuit filed against him by legal icon Afe Babalola.
The news was shared by Omoyele Sowore, the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday. Sowore revealed that Farotimi’s bail was set at N50 million, with a surety required to provide the same amount in collateral, specifically in the form of landed property.
The court proceedings have been adjourned to January 29, 2025, for further hearing.
This legal development has sparked wide discussions, with many wondering about the motivations behind the defamation suit and its potential impact on Farotimi’s public and professional standing. It’s noteworthy that such cases, especially involving public figures, often raise questions about freedom of expression versus protection of reputation. The outcome of this case will likely have broader implications for Nigeria’s legal landscape, especially regarding the balance between defamation and individual rights to speak freely.
More details will follow as the case progresses.
