Embattled human rights lawyer, Mr. Dele Farotimi, has been ordered back to jail by an Ekiti State court after the hearing for his bail application was postponed to December 20, 2024.
Farotimi, who was arrested in Lagos by officers of the Ekiti State Police Command, appeared before the Chief Magistrate Court in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday for a bail hearing. Arriving at the courthouse in a police van under heavy security, he was accompanied by officials from the correctional facility.
His arrest stems from a defamation lawsuit filed by legal luminary Chief Afe Babalola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).
Omoyele Sowore, former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), took to social media to criticize the court's decision. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he stated:
“The ruling on @delefarotimi’s bail application was today adjourned till December 20. Dele Farotimi has been sent back to prison for the next 10 days. See what begging has done? #FreeDeleFarotimiNow.”
Farotimi, a prominent human rights advocate, has been at the center of intense public scrutiny since his arrest. The delay in his bail ruling has sparked outrage among supporters, who see his detention as an attempt to silence his activism.
The defamation case filed by Chief Afe Babalola has added a layer of complexity to the situation, with many questioning the balance between legal rights and the protection of free speech.
The adjournment means Farotimi will remain in custody for at least another 10 days while awaiting the court's decision. As the case unfolds, it has drawn attention to broader issues surrounding freedom of expression and the judicial process in Nigeria.
The ruling on @delefarotimi's bail application was today adjourned till December 20.
— Omoyele Sowore (@YeleSowore) December 10, 2024
Dele Farotimi has been sent back to prison for the next 10 days. See what begging has done? #FreeDeleFarotimiNow
