Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria – The Federal High Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, on Monday, December 9, 2024, granted human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi bail of N50 million in a cybercrime case filed by the Inspector-General of Police.
Presided by Justice Babs O. Kuewumi, the court set stringent bail conditions, including a surety with a landed property of equivalent value. The trial has been adjourned to January 29, 2025, for further proceedings.
The case, with suit number FHC/AD/CR/104/2024, centered on allegations that Farotimi transmitted false and defamatory information online, targeting prominent figures like Chief Afe Babalola. The charges included violations of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015.
Court documents derailed accusations of intentional harassment and the spread of false information during online interviews and press conferences. One count cited Farotimi’s August 2024 statement alleging judicial corruption involving Chief Afe Babalola.
Despite the bail ruling, human rights activist Omoyele Sowore described the development as a partial victory, urged continued support under the hashtag #FreeDeleFarotimiNow.
Farotimi, a vocal advocate for justice and reform, denied the charges, which critics have described as a clampdown on free speech and dissent. The trial’s next hearing in January is expected to attract significant public attention.
