A prominent human rights advocate, Dele Farotimi, was released from the correctional facility in Ekiti State on Tuesday morning after successfully fulfilling his bail conditions, stating that he has never lied against anyone.
His release marks a significant moment in his ongoing battle for justice.
Last Friday, a magistrate court in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, granted Farotimi bail under stringent conditions. These included a hefty N30 million bond, the presence of two sureties—one of whom must own property—the submission of his passport, and a ban on media interviews following his release.
After addressing the media after his release, Farotimi firmly stated, “I have never intended to lie against anyone. Everything I have said about individuals or institutions is grounded in truth.”
He emphasised the challenges faced in pursuing justice, stating, “It is never an easy journey when you are fighting against evil. Before I embarked on this mission years ago, God revealed that the truth is sufficient. It is the only weapon capable of confronting the monster we call Nigeria. I stand by my integrity in this relentless fight against our society’s evils. If I do not know something, I will openly admit it.”
Notably, on July 2, Farotimi published a book titled “Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.” The release of this 116-page book ignited controversy, culminating in renowned legal scholar Afe Babalola accusing Farotimi of defamation. This accusation led to Farotimi’s arrest on December 3, executed in a manner reminiscent of Gestapo tactics by officers from the Ekiti State Police Command at his office in Lagos.
Following his arrest, Farotimi was transported to Ekiti State, where he faced legal repercussions. Babalola’s legal team initially charged him with defamation in an Ekiti State Magistrate Court. The situation escalated when Kayode Egbetokun, the Inspector General of Police, filed an additional twelve charges against him at an Ekiti Federal High Court on December 6.
Farotimi was subsequently arraigned on accusations of defamation and cyberbullying, stemming from Babalola’s assertion that Farotimi had maligned him in his book. The police contended that Farotimi had implicated Babalola and other Senior Nigerian advocates in corrupting Supreme Court justices.
Dele Farotimi’s unwavering commitment to truth and justice remains resolute as he returns to the world. He continues to fight against the forces he believes are undermining the very fabric of Nigeria’s legal system.
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