Human rights lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi has been released after fulfilling the stringent bail conditions set by a Chief Magistrate’s Court in Ado Ekiti.
His release was confirmed on Tuesday morning, and he is reportedly en route to his Lagos residence.
Farotimi was arrested earlier this month after allegations of defamation against Afe Babalola, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD).
The court had granted Farotimi bail at N30 million with stringent conditions, including two sureties—one of whom must own property—the submission of his passport, and a prohibition on granting media interviews.
Politician and activist Omoyele Sowore shared the news on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “I am pleased to report that Dele Farotimi is no longer being held in the prison facilities of Ekiti State and is now returning home to Lagos. The struggle continues!”
Farotimi’s arrest and bail conditions have sparked discussions among legal and civil society circles, with many viewing the defamation charges as a suppression of free speech.
