Farotimi Freed, Set to Spend Christmas at Home

Human rights lawyer and activist, Dele Farotimi, has regained his freedom after spending 21 days in detention. Farotimi, who was arrested by the Ekiti State Command of the Nigeria Police on December 3, 2024, following a defamation petition filed by legal luminary Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, is set to spend Christmas at home.

The defamation case arose from Farotimi's recently published book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System. His arrest in Lagos and subsequent arraignment at the Ekiti Chief Magistrate’s Court on December 4 drew widespread public condemnation and protests from civil rights advocates.

The court had initially granted him bail on December 20, setting stringent conditions, including a N30 million bond, two sureties (one of whom must own property), the surrender of his passport, and a ban on granting media interviews. 

Additionally, a Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti had earlier imposed an N50 million bail condition, bringing the total bail requirements to N80 million.

Former African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore confirmed Farotimi’s release on Tuesday, sharing the news on his X handle. “I am pleased to report that Dele Farotimi is no longer being held at the prison yards in Ekiti State and is now returning home to Lagos. The struggle continues! Happy holidays to you all!” Sowore wrote.

Farotimi’s detention had become a rallying point for critics of perceived government intimidation. Many viewed the bail conditions as punitive, given his outspoken criticism of the Bola Tinubu-led administration and his support for Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi in the 2023 elections.

While his legal battles are far from over—he is still facing defamation charges in two High Courts in Ibadan and Abuja—the activist’s release has been celebrated as a victory for justice and civil liberties.

Reacting to his release, a human rights group noted, “This is a step in the right direction, but the fight for a fair and just legal system in Nigeria continues.”

Farotimi’s supporters have pledged to stand by him as he continues to challenge what they describe as attempts to stifle dissent and suppress free speech.