Human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi remains in custody despite being granted bail by both the Federal High Court and a Magistrate Court in Ekiti.
The legal stalemate has raised questions about inefficiencies in the judicial system, as administrative delays continue to prolong his detention.
On December 9, 2024, Justice Babs O. Kuewumi of the Federal High Court in Ekiti granted Farotimi bail in a case involving cybercrime charges. The bail terms required his sureties to submit specific documents for verification. Unfortunately, the verification process has been slower than anticipated, delaying his release.
Adding to the complications, the Magistrate Court in Ado-Ekiti also granted Farotimi bail on December 20, 2024, in connection with defamation charges against renowned lawyer Afe Babalola. Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun ruled in favor of his release but left before finalizing the necessary paperwork, further extending Farotimi’s time in detention.
Farotimi’s case underscores the challenges of navigating Nigeria’s legal system. His lawyer, speaking on the situation, expressed frustration: “It is troubling that someone granted bail by two courts remains in custody due to administrative lapses. This is a failure of the system.”
Meanwhile, activists and supporters are rallying behind Farotimi. A representative of a human rights organization remarked, “Justice delayed is justice denied. These procedural delays erode trust in the judicial process and highlight the urgent need for reform.”
Farotimi faces legal battles in two separate courts, one for alleged cybercrime and another for defamation. Despite the bail approvals, he remains behind bars until all administrative procedures are completed. His legal team continues to push for expedited processing to secure his release.
The situation has reignited debates about the inefficiencies in Nigeria’s judicial system, with many advocating for streamlined processes to avoid unnecessary detention for individuals granted bail.
