An Ekiti State Magistrates’ Court in Ado Ekiti has denied bail to prominent lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi, remanding him in custody as the police raised allegations of witness intimidation. The court adjourned the matter to December 20 for a ruling on his bail application.
Farotimi, known for his outspoken critiques of Nigeria’s legal system, is facing charges of defamation brought by the police on behalf of legal luminary and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Aare Afe Babalola. The alleged offence stems from statements in Farotimi’s book, Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System.
A Fierce Bail Battle
Defence counsel Taiwo Adedeji pleaded for bail, arguing that Farotimi, a lawyer with 25 years of unblemished practice, poses no flight risk. “The alleged offences are bailable, and my client should be presumed innocent until proven otherwise,” Adedeji stated. He urged the court to disregard the prosecution’s objections and uphold the principle of fairness.
However, the prosecuting counsel, Samson Osodu, countered vehemently, portraying Farotimi as a risk to judicial proceedings. Osodu claimed that the activist’s social media influence and scepticism of the judiciary posed threats to witnesses and the integrity of the case.
“He has a history of publicly declaring disbelief in the judicial system and has been intimidating witnesses even after being brought to court,” Osodu alleged. The prosecution also dismissed the defence’s affidavit, deeming it incompetent.
Tensions Over Legal Representation and Protests
The courtroom drama was further heightened when Osodu opposed the appearance of Senior Advocate of Nigeria Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika on Farotimi’s defence team. Meanwhile, outside the courthouse, tensions simmered as plans for a protest by the Take It Back Movement fizzled under warnings from community leaders and the Ekiti State Police Command.
Chief Michael Osaloni, a community elder, issued a stern warning against demonstrations, while Ekiti Police Public Relations Officer Sunday Abutu praised the state’s residents for maintaining peace. “Ekiti remains calm and peaceful. We advised against any unlawful protests, and we’re glad the public heeded the call,” Abutu said.
Political Reactions and Divisions
The case has drawn widespread attention and sparked political controversy. Omoyele Sowore, former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, criticised Farotimi’s continued detention and condemned attempts to negotiate with Afe Babalola. “See what begging has done? #FreeDeleFarotimiNow,” Sowore posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
Sowore’s remarks were directed at Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, who visited Afe Babalola in Ado Ekiti on Monday in a bid to mediate. Sowore denounced the visit, describing it as an affront to justice.
What Lies Ahead?
The adjournment leaves Farotimi facing at least 10 more days in detention, with uncertainty hanging over the eventual ruling. The case underscores the complexities of balancing freedom of expression with the rule of law in a country grappling with a fraught judicial system.
For Farotimi’s supporters, his detention is a troubling symbol of the state’s intolerance for dissent. For his critics, it is a necessary step to uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s legal institutions. As the December 20 hearing looms, the case is set to remain a flashpoint in Nigeria’s ongoing debate over justice, governance, and the role of activism.
