Lawyer and human rights activist Dele Farotimi was granted a N50 million bail by the Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, on Monday following his arraignment on cybercrime charges related to alleged defamation of senior lawyer Afe Babalola.

The case stems from Farotimi's recently published book, 'Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System,' in which Babalola claims the activist accused him of corrupting the Supreme Court. Babalola filed a petition dated November 19, 2024, to the Ekiti State Police Commissioner, leading to Farotimi's arrest.

Initially arraigned on 16 counts of criminal defamation before a magistrate's court, Farotimi was remanded in prison custody on Wednesday. The Inspector General of Police subsequently filed a separate set of 12 cybercrime charges at the Federal High Court.

During Monday's court proceedings, the presiding judge, Babs Kuewumi granted bail with specific conditions, including a N50 million surety with landed property in Ekiti State and submission of Farotimi's passport. The case has been adjourned to January 29, 2025.

The Take It Back Movement, led by National Coordinator Juwon Sanyaolu, has vowed to proceed with planned protests in Ekiti, Lagos, Abuja, London, and Canada, despite the Ekiti State Police Command's ban on public gatherings.

Farotimi's lawyer, Ralph Nwoke, indicated that they expect the magistrate's court case to be withdrawn in light of the Federal High Court proceedings and are working to perfect the bail conditions.

The activist has consistently maintained his innocence, with his supporters viewing the legal action as an attempt to silence his critical voice about Nigeria's justice system.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​