Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

NigerianEyeNewsPaperNigerianEyeNewsPaper

Featured

Human Rights Lawyer Dele Farotimi Finally Released From Detention  

Ado-Ekiti, December 24, 2024– Human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi, has been released from the Ado-Ekiti Correctional Centre after weeks of incarceration over alleged defamation charges brought against him by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Afe Babalola.

 

Farotimi’s release comes after perfecting bail conditions set by two separate courts. He was detained despite being granted bail by both the Federal High Court and the Magistrate Court in Ado-Ekiti on December 9 and December 20, respectively.

 

The lawyer was arrested following a petition from Chief Afe Babalola alleging defamation. The Nigeria Police had filed a 12-count charge against him under cybercrime laws, while a separate case of criminal defamation was brought before the Magistrate Court.

 

Justice Babs O. Kuewumi of the Federal High Court granted Farotimi bail with stringent conditions, including a N50 million bond and a surety owning property of equivalent value. Similarly, Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun granted bail in the defamation case, requiring a N30 million bond, two responsible sureties, and the surrender of his passport.

 

However, bureaucratic delays in verifying documents from sureties and the judge’s absence prolonged Farotimi’s detention, sparking criticism from human rights advocate

 

Farotimi’s release was confirmed early Tuesday after leaders of Yoruba socio-cultural groups stepped in to finalize the bail process. Sources revealed that the court had completed verification of all required documents last Friday.

 

Despite his release, the cases against Farotimi remain active. The Federal High Court adjourned proceedings to January 29, 2025, while the Magistrate Court has barred him from granting media interviews as part of the bail conditions.

 

Farotimi’s prolonged detention drew widespread criticism, with many calling it an affront to human rights and judicial fairness. Advocates argue that his ordeal highlights systemic inefficiencies in the Nigerian judicial system and underscores the need for legal reforms.

 

The case has reignited debates about the balance between freedom of speech and defamation laws, especially when high-profile individuals are involved.

 

As Farotimi prepares to face his trials, his supporters have vowed to continue advocating for his rights and for reforms to prevent similar situations in the future.

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You May Also Like

Government

Abuja, Nigeria – February 10, 2025 – The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has arrived at the Federal High...

Featured

Enoch Adeboye, the general overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has urged authorities to release Seaking, a TikToker who was arrested...

Crime

Controversial Nigerian TikToker Olumide Ogunsanwo, popularly known as Sea King, has reportedly been re-arrested by the police following allegations of cyberbullying against Pastor Enoch...

Uncategorized

The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has reportedly received an unexpected notice to appear before Justice Binta Nyako,...

Copyright © 2023 NigerianEyeNewsPaper.Com. Design by Weforce Digital Technologies