Defamation: Ekiti Magistrate Court Grants Dele Farotimi N50 Million Bail

Ekiti State Magistrate Court has granted Dele Farotimi, a prominent lawyer and activist, bail set at N50 million in a defamation case brought against him by legal luminary Afe Babalola.

Omoyele Sowore, the African Action Congress (AAC) 2023 presidential candidate, disclosed the development via his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Monday.

“Dele Farotimi was granted bail of N50 million naira, with a surety in like sum who must own landed property. The case has been adjourned to January 29, 2025,” Sowore wrote.

The defamation suit against Farotimi arises from remarks he allegedly made regarding Babalola. Details of the case remain under judicial review, with the next hearing slated for early next year.

The high-profile nature of the case and the significant bail conditions have sparked discussions about freedom of expression and the balance between legal redress and punitive measures in defamation cases.

Farotimi, a vocal advocate for social justice and political reform, has yet to issue an official statement on the court’s decision.