BREAKING: Dele Farotimi finally released after 21 days in detention
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Dele Farotimi, has finally been released from detention in Ekiti, after spending 21 days grinding his nose against cell at the behest of Afe Babalola, SAN who alleged the human rights lawyer defamed him in his recently published book Nigeria And Is Criminal Justice System, a worldwide best seller on Amazon.
He was let go on Tuesday after perfecting his bail conditions stipulated on December 20 by an Ekiti Chief Magistrate’s Court, according to another activist Omoyele Sowore.
“I am pleased to report that Dele Farotimi is no longer being held at the prison yards in Ekiti State and is now returning home to Lagos,” Sowore broke the news on his X handle today.
“The struggle continues! Happy holidays to you all!”
Obi offers to fulfil bail conditions
Farotimi was released three days after Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) announced his offer to fulfil the bail conditions of the man fighting a titanic battle to expose and stop the corruption and the rot in the Nigerian judiciary that is publicly acknowledged and decried by both the Bar and the Bench, and by the general populace.
The bail conditions the court slammed on the fearless activist last Friday included the sum of N30 million bond, two sureties (one of whom must own a house), surrendering his passport, and a media interview ban.
Obi’s offer was announced on X by Tanko Yunusa, former spokesperson for the Obi 2023 presidential campaign.
“I consulted His Excellency, Peter Obi, as the leader of the Obidient Movement. As a respecter of rule of law, due process, and order, he offered to take Dele Farotimi on the bail conditions,” Yunusa said.
He explained that Obi, as a proponent of the rule of law, wants the issue resolved in a way that respects legal processes and benefits everyone involved.
Yunusa conveyed Obi’s gratitude to the courts and others involved in the matter.
“His [Obi’s] concern is that the situation be resolved in the best interest of all parties and our legal system. He extended his sincere appreciation to all concerned.”
Backstory
Farotimi was incarcerated on December 4, the day police arraigned him in court
in Ekiti after arresting him in Lagos the previous day.
The N30 million bail imposed on him by the Magistrate’s Court was in addition to the N50 million bail a Federal High Court in Ekiti had earlier required for his release.
That meant he was forced to scramble for a total N80 million as part of requirements to meet his bail conditions in the two courts.
Farotimi is also facing trial in two High Courts – in Ibadan and Abuja – over the same allegation.
It was not known at publication time if Obi singlehandedly provided part or all of the financial requirements for the bail that has now released Farotimi to reunite with his family in Lagos where he lives and practices law, and wrote the cracker of a book that has catapulted him to global fame.
This is breaking news. Details later ….
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