Embattled human rights lawyer and activist, Dele Farotimi, has reiterated his unwavering commitment to truth, transparency, and integrity in his advocacy work while addressing his supporters and the public.
Farotimi, a staunch critic of corruption and injustice in Nigeria, was released from the Ekiti State Correctional Centre on Tuesday morning after meeting the stringent bail conditions imposed by the Magistrate Court in Ado-Ekiti. His release marked a critical development in a case that has drawn widespread attention and stirred debates about the intersection of activism, free speech, and the rule of law in Nigeria.
The court ruling, delivered by Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun last Friday, granted bail to Farotimi, set at ₦30 million, alongside specific conditions. Among these, he was required to provide two sureties who are responsible citizens, one of whom must own property within the court’s jurisdiction. The conditions also mandated Farotimi to surrender his international passport to the authorities and barred him from granting media interviews throughout the duration of the trial.
Addressing a group of supporters who had gathered to welcome him after his release, Farotimi reaffirmed his dedication to his mission of fostering justice and exposing societal ills. He stated, “In my public advocacy and in my fight and wars against the evil empire that we all live in, I have never lied against anyone. If I don’t know something, I will simply say I don’t know.”
Farotimi further emphasized that truth remains the most potent weapon for driving meaningful and sustainable change in Nigeria, adding that his dedication to advocating for justice and accountability will remain steadfast despite the challenges he faces.
In a related legal development, the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) dismissed a petition filed against Farotimi by Emmanuel Chambers, the law firm of legal icon Chief Afe Babalola SAN. The petition sought to have Farotimi’s name struck off the Roll of Legal Practitioners, accusing him of criminal defamation and professional misconduct.
The allegations stemmed from Farotimi’s book, *Nigeria and the Criminal Justice System*, in which he reportedly highlighted corruption, bribery, and unethical practices within Nigeria’s judiciary and legal profession. The book referenced several controversial cases, including Supreme Court case SC/146/2006 involving Major Muritala Gbadamosi Eletu and HRH Oba Tijani Akinloye. The petition alleged that Farotimi distorted facts, disparaged legal practitioners, and interfered with the course of justice for personal gain, arguing that these actions contravened the 2023 Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners.
However, in its ruling (B8B/LPDC/1571/2024), the LPDC concluded that the allegations against Farotimi pertained to his role as an author and public commentator rather than his professional conduct as a legal practitioner. The committee determined that his actions, while controversial, fell outside the scope of professional misconduct under the Legal Practitioners Act.
Farotimi’s supporters have welcomed this decision as a victory for freedom of expression and a reaffirmation of his rights as a legal professional and social commentator. They continue to rally behind him as he prepares to face his ongoing legal challenges, with many expressing hope that his case will set a precedent for the protection of human rights and the promotion of justice in Nigeria.
This case highlights the delicate balance between holding public figures accountable and safeguarding their rights to free expression, particularly in a society grappling with deep-rooted issues of corruption and inequality. Farotimi’s journey serves as a testament to the enduring struggle for justice and truth in the face of adversity.
