Dele Farotimi, an activist and human rights attorney, was released from the Ekiti State detention facility after fulfilling the requirements of his bail.
The Nigerian Police Force arrested Farotimi in Ekiti State after he was detained in Lagos State on December 3, 2024. Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Afe Babalola accused him of defamation concerning Farotimi’s book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System, which led to his imprisonment.
Farotimi was charged with 16 charges after his arrest, including cyberbullying and criminal defamation. A judge in the state of Ekiti awarded him ₦50 million in bail. On December 24, 2024, Farotimi was freed from custody after meeting the strict requirements of bail.
Activists, attorneys, and civil society organisations denounced his incarceration as an attempt to suppress free expression and opposition, sparking widespread indignation.
Supporters started social media campaigns calling for his quick release and coordinated demonstrations under the hashtag #FreeDeleFarotimiNow, spearheaded by Omoyele Sowore.
“I have never lied against anyone,” Farotimi said upon his release, reaffirming his position and vowing to keep fighting for justice and human rights in Nigeria.
