Dele Farotimi returns to Ekiti court over defamation allegations

Human rights activist and lawyer, Dele Farotimi on Tuesday arrived at the Chief Magistrate Court in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State capital, shortly before 10am in a police security van.

Farotimi was accompanied by correctional centre officials and both the defence and plaintiff’s counsel were already present in the courtroom, awaiting his arrival.

The lawyer was arrested by the police in Lagos last Tuesday following a petition by a legal luminary, Afe Babalola.

READ ALSO: Sowore blasts Obi for begging Babalola to drop case against Farotimi

He was subsequently arraigned on defamation charges before an Ekiti State Magistrate Court last Wednesday. Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun ordered his remand in the correctional centre and set December 10 (today) for his bail hearing.

Farotimi was then granted bail in the sum of N50 million, with a surety of equal value who must reside in Ekiti State and possess landed property. Additionally, he was required to submit his travel passport to the court.

Other rights activists have called for a protest over the detention of Farotimi. Security agencies have, however, threatened to deal with protesters, if they come out.

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