The Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, has granted N50 million bail to human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi, following his arraignment on charges of cybercrime. The case, brought by the Inspector-General of Police, alleges violations of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015.
Presiding Judge Babs O. Kuewumi ruled that Farotimi must provide a surety worth N50 million and a guarantor who owns a landed property of equal value. The court adjourned the case to January 29, 2025, for further proceedings.
The charges stem from comments made by Farotimi during an online interview and a press conference. The police allege that these statements, which referenced prominent legal figure Afe Babalola, were intended to spread false information, incite unrest, and intimidate individuals. Farotimi has denied these allegations, describing them as an attempt to stifle his advocacy for justice and accountability in Nigeria.
Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, who has publicly supported Farotimi, described the bail decision as a positive step. In a statement, Sowore said, “The first hurdle was crossed. @DeleFarotimi was granted bail of N50 million surety in the like sum with someone with landed property. The case was adjourned to 29 January 2025. #FreeDeleFarotimiNow.”
The charges against Farotimi include 12 counts, with accusations that he knowingly transmitted false and defamatory information during an interview about his book, *Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System*. The book critiques systemic corruption in Nigeria’s judiciary.
Farotimi’s legal challenges have drawn significant public attention, with many viewing the case as a litmus test for freedom of speech and the application of Nigeria’s cybercrime laws.
Further hearings will determine the validity of the allegations, but the high-profile nature of the case has already sparked widespread debate about the balance between digital expression and legal accountability in Nigeria.
