By Harry Awurumibe, Editor, Abuja Bureau
Human rights lawyer and writer, Dele Farotimi, has finally been released from detention in Ekiti, Ekiti state capital, after spending 21 days grinding his nose against cell at the behest of legal luminary Aàre Afe Babalola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).
The civil rights lawyer is alleged to have defamed Aare Babalola in his recently published book titled: ‘Nigeria And Is Criminal Justice System’, which has now become a worldwide best seller on Amazon.
According to information from another civil rights activist Omoyele Sowore, Farotimi was let go on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 after perfecting his bail conditions stipulated on December 20 by an Ekiti Chief Magistrate’s Court.
“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 revealed on his X (formerly Twitter) handle today.
He added: “The struggle continues! Happy holidays to you all!”.
Prompt News reports that Farotimi was released three days after the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the last general election had 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 former spokesperson for the Obi 2023 presidential campaign, Dr.Tanko Yunusa
“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.”
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