Nigerians React As Dele Farotimi Is Granted N50Million Bail In Defamation Case

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria 

Nigerians have started reacting to the bail condition given for the release of detained rights activist and lawyer, Ďele Farotimi who appeared at the Chief Magistrate Court in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, on Monday after being arrested by the police in Lagos.

According to a video seen by African Culture TV, Farotimi was transported to the courtroom in a security van, accompanied by officials from the correctional centre.

Farotimi had been arrested following a defamation petition filed by Afe Babalola. He was arraigned last Wednesday and subsequently remanded in custody by Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun, who scheduled his bail hearing on Monday.

In a brief session, Farotimi was granted bail set at ₦50 million, with a surety of equal value residing in Ekiti State and owning property there. The court also required Farotimi to submit his travel passport as part of the bail conditions.

The case, which has sparked public debate, comes amid growing concerns over the use of defamation laws for political reasons.

Reacting to the development, Nigerians took to social media to air their views. Writing on Facebook, Abiodun Adigun Anuoluwapo said: “The way Nigeria is going self I don’t think there is hope for Nigeria again self.”

Another commenter, Geoffery Wisdom Omirigwe wrote: “Nigeria government is worst thing that can happen to anyone. Yaya Bello is walking freely, with Nigeria police and escorts.”

Meanwhile, human rights activist Omoyele Sowore had called for protests on December 10, 2024, in Ekiti, Lagos, Abuja, and London.

However, there is yet to be any visible sign of the protests in Ado-Ekiti.

The case has captured widespread attention, raising questions about the limits of free expression in Nigeria, and the legal implications for activists and political critics.