Chronicles Reporters earlier revealed that the Nigerian police have filed fresh charges against human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi at the Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti. These charges, allegedly linked to cybercrime, are seen as a calculated move to frustrate his bail process and prolong his detention.
On Friday, December 20, 2023, the Ekiti State Magistrate Court in Ado-Ekiti heard Farotimi’s bail application. Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun granted bail to the lawyer under strict conditions. Farotimi was required to post a bail sum of N30 million, provide two credible sureties, and surrender his international passport. One of the sureties must own property, and Farotimi was prohibited from granting any media interviews.
Before granting the bail, Magistrate Adeosun delivered a controversial ruling barring Farotimi’s lead counsel, Yinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN), from representing him in the case. The magistrate cited Section 9 of the Magistrate’s Courts Law, 2014, which he claimed disqualifies a Senior Advocate from appearing in such matters.
Farotimi’s legal troubles began after his arrest, reportedly following a petition by prominent lawyer Chief Afe Babalola (SAN). The charge, filed under suit no: MAD/1,476.C/2024, names the Ekiti State Commissioner of Police as the complainant and Farotimi as the defendant.
Sources told Chronicles Reporters that Yoruba socio-cultural leaders are actively working to secure Farotimi’s release. They claim to have identified two credible sureties to meet the court’s bail requirements and plan to present them on Monday.
However, concerns remain that bureaucratic hurdles could delay the process further. “The magistrate may introduce additional administrative steps to prolong the bail process, as has been evident since the case began,” one source alleged.
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