Embattled human rights advocate, Dele Farotimi, has been released from the correctional centre in Ekiti State after meeting his bail conditions. Farotimi was released on Tuesday morning.
Last week Friday, at a magistrate court in Ado-Ekiti, the state granted Farotimi bail conditions, including a N30 million bond, two sureties, one of whom must be a property owner, a submission of Farotimi’s passport and a prohibition of Farotimi granting media interviews once released.
The defendant was asked to leave his international passport with the court.
Farotimi would also not grant media interviews during the pendency of the case.
The activist was arraigned on a 14-count charge bordering on alleged defamation. He pleaded not guilty.
The police had accused Farotimi of “criminally defaming” Afe Babalola, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), in a book titled: ‘Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System’.
Farotimi is currently facing trial in two courts on charges bordering on the alleged defamation of Babalola.
On December 9, the federal high court in Ekiti granted Farotimi N50 million bail with one surety, following a 12-count charge bordering on cybercrime filed by the inspector-general of police.
‘I’ve Never Lied Against Anyone’
However, addressing media personnel after his release, Farotimi said he had never had any course to lie against anyone in his life, adding that whatever he had said about someone or an institution is true.
The activist said the truth is the only weapon that can be used to change the country.
“In my public advocacy, I have never lied against anyone. If I don’t know, I will say I don’t know,” he said.
