Alleged Cybercrime: Court Grants Bail To Dele Farotimi, Confiscates Passport

Court Grants Bail Amid Cybercrime Allegations

ADO-EKITI — The Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti has granted bail to human rights lawyer and activist, Mr. Dele Farotimi, following a 12-count cybercrime charge filed by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun.

Justice Babs Kuewumi ruled in favor of a N50 million bail with a surety residing in Ekiti. The court also ordered Farotimi to surrender his international passport as a condition for bail. The trial is set to resume on January 29, 2025.

Case Background

The charges stem from a petition filed by Aare Afe Babalola, founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), alleging defamation in Farotimi’s book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Judicial System.

Farotimi was initially arraigned at a magistrate’s court before the IGP filed a fresh suit (FHC/AD/CR/104/2024) at the Federal High Court. The defense team expressed relief over the bail ruling, with counsel Ralph Nwoke commending the court’s decision.

Tensions Surrounding the Trial

Meanwhile, the Justice for Afe Babalola Legacy (JABL) group warned against planned protests in Ado-Ekiti regarding the legal dispute. The group, led by Chief Michael Osaloni, criticized Farotimi and his supporters for allegedly disrupting national peace through agitation.

Osaloni’s Statement:
“Farotimi and others are professional protesters. They turn minor issues into chaos. If they protest in Ado-Ekiti, we are prepared to face them unless stopped by the police. Actions have consequences.”

Demand for Evidence

The Publicity Secretary of JABL, Rotimi Opeyeoluwa, urged Farotimi to substantiate his allegations of corruption against Aare Afe Babalola, as claimed in his book.

Opeyeoluwa added:
“This isn’t a case of David and Goliath. We demand evidence supporting his claims. The integrity of our legal icon, Afe Babalola, must remain untarnished.”

Nationwide Protests

Amid the legal proceedings, activist Omoyele Sowore called for nationwide protests in Ekiti, Lagos, Abuja, and even London, further intensifying public attention on the case.