Human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi, will remain in detention even though he was granted bail by both the Federal High Court and a Magistrate Court.
Farotimi was given bail by Justice Babs O. Kuewumi of the Federal High Court in Ekiti on December 9, 2024, after facing charges related to cybercrime.
The judge set certain conditions for his release, including the need for sureties to submit proper documents for verification.
However, the process of confirming these documents took longer than expected, and as a result, Farotimi has not yet been released from custody.
In addition to the Federal High Court’s ruling, the Magistrate Court in Ado-Ekiti also granted Farotimi bail on December 20, 2024, in connection with a separate case involving defamation charges.
However, this ruling was also delayed due to issues with the court procedures.
After the magistrate, Abayomi Adeosun, made the decision to grant bail, he left without completing the final steps necessary for Farotimi’s release, further prolonging his time in jail.
These delays come at a time when Farotimi is facing multiple legal challenges.
He is accused of defaming prominent lawyer Afe Babalola, and he is being tried in two separate courts.
Despite the bail orders from both courts, the administrative issues and slow court processes are preventing him from leaving detention.
The delays in processing Farotimi’s bail have left many questioning how the system can be improved to prevent unnecessary prolongation of detention for individuals who have been granted bail by the courts.
As it stands, Farotimi will remain behind bars until the paperwork and court procedures are fully completed.
His legal team, along with various groups supporting him, are working to ensure that his bail is processed without further delay, but it remains uncertain when he will be released from detention.
