The Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, has granted bail to human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi, accused of cybercrime by the Nigeria Police Force.
The court, presided over by Justice Babs O. Kuewumi on Monday, December 9, 2024, set the bail at ₦50 million with stringent conditions.
Farotimi, who pleaded not guilty to the charges under suit number FHC/AD/CR/104/2024, was represented by a defense team led by Professor Festus Emiri, SAN, alongside Ralph Nwoke, Esq., and Ayodele Ademiluyi, Esq. The prosecution, led by S.O. Osobu, Esq., had sought Farotimi’s continued detention at the Ado-Ekiti Correctional Centre, where he had been held since a prior remand order by a Magistrate’s Court.
Justice Kuewumi ruled in favor of bail, stipulating that Farotimi must provide a surety with a property in Ekiti State valued at ₦50 million, supported by the title deed. Additionally, the surety and Farotimi are to submit four passport photographs each, and Farotimi must surrender his international passport to the court.
The defense team emphasized the need for liberal bail terms, noting Farotimi’s professional standing as a legal practitioner. While bail conditions are being finalized, the defense remains poised to address a related Magistrate Court matter scheduled for Tuesday.
The case has been adjourned to January 29, 2024, for further proceedings.