Activist and lawyer Dele Farotimi has been granted bail of ₦30 million by a Magistrate Court in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, over allegations of defamation against Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Afe Babalola in his book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.

Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun, who presided over the case, imposed stringent bail conditions, including the provision of three sureties with landed property within the court’s jurisdiction, surrendering Farotimi’s international passport, and a restriction on granting media interviews. The case has been adjourned to February 13, 2025.

Farotimi, who pleaded not guilty to the 14-count charge during his initial arraignment, had his earlier bail application denied, leading to his remand at the Correctional Centre.

During Friday’s proceedings, prosecutor Samson Osobu raised objections to Farotimi’s representation by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, referencing a July 16 judgment by the Court of Appeal in Ibadan that limits SAN appearances in Magistrate Courts. However, Farotimi’s lead counsel, Adeyinka Olumide-Fasuka (SAN), cited the Ekiti Magistrate Court Law, which permits all lawyers to appear in criminal matters regardless of rank.

Magistrate Adeosun temporarily directed Fasuka to step down while the court examines the referenced judgment. Lawyer Taiwo Adedeji then took over as Farotimi’s representative.

This case runs parallel to another cyberbullying and defamation matter at the Federal High Court in Ado Ekiti, where Farotimi had earlier been granted bail under stricter conditions of ₦50 million and a surety in like sum.

The legal battles continue to draw significant public attention, with many closely following developments in both cases.