Prominent human rights lawyer and activist, Dele Farotimi, has been remanded in custody after the Chief Magistrate Court in Ado-Ekiti postponed its decision on his bail application to December 20, 2024.
Farotimi, embroiled in a high-profile defamation case brought by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Afe Babalola, appeared in court on Tuesday under heavy security. He arrived at the court premises in a police van, escorted by correctional officers, at approximately 10:00 am.
The adjournment has sparked widespread reactions, including criticism from Omoyele Sowore, former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC). Taking to his social media platform, Sowore expressed dismay at the court’s decision, writing:
“The ruling on @delefarotimi’s bail application was today adjourned till December 20. Dele Farotimi has been sent back to prison for the next 10 days. See what begging has done? #FreeDeleFarotimiNow.”
Farotimi’s arrest, carried out by officers of the Ekiti State Police Command in Lagos, followed allegations of defamatory statements made against Chief Afe Babalola. The case has drawn significant national attention, with civil society organizations and supporters raising concerns over the fairness of his arrest and continued detention.
Advocacy groups are calling for a transparent judicial process, emphasizing the broader implications of the case for freedom of speech and human rights in Nigeria.
