Nigerian human rights lawyer and activist, Dele Farotimi, has been officially released from prison after successfully fulfilling the stringent bail conditions set by the court.
Reports indicate that this development was confirmed by Omoyele Sowore, the African Action Congress (AAC) 2023 presidential candidate, who announced the news via a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday.
Sowore expressed his delight in the post, revealing that Farotimi has been released from Ekiti State prison and is currently on his way back to his home in Lagos.
He stated: “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. The struggle continues!”
Farotimi’s arrest earlier this month had sparked widespread public interest. The arrest stemmed from allegations of defamation brought against him by Senior Advocate of Nigeria and the founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), Chief Afe Babalola.
Following his arrest, a Chief Magistrate Court in Ado Ekiti granted him bail under stringent conditions, requiring a bond of ₦30 million alongside two credible sureties who must meet specific criteria, including one owning a property within the court's jurisdiction.
The activist was also instructed to surrender his international passport and was explicitly barred from granting media interviews throughout the duration of his trial.
Farotimi’s release marks a significant milestone in his ongoing legal battle, which centers on his commitment to speaking truth to power and challenging perceived injustices within Nigeria’s socio-political landscape.
