Chidi Odinkalu, a legal professor and former chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, recently responded to the bail conditions set by a magistrate for lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi via his official X account. The bond requirements were deemed high and unsuitable for a criminal case, according to Odinkalu, who expressed his worries.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
Farotimi is currently involved in a defamation case filed by Afe Babalola, a renowned legal icon.
The issue comes from allegations made in Farotimi’s book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System, where he accused Babalola of playing a role in corrupting the judiciary.
In response, Babalola filed a defamation petition against Farotimi, leading to the ongoing legal battle.
“For a misdemeanor, a Magistrate grants bail to @DeleFarotimi on the following terms: N30 million bond, two sureties, one shall be a house owner, the defendant shall submit his passport, he shall not grant any media interview.
This is supposedly law too,” Odinkalu wrote.
Odinkalu expressed his disappointment with the bail conditions, which include a N30 million bond, two sureties (one of whom must be a homeowner), the surrender of Farotimi’s passport, and a prohibition on granting media interviews.
He described these terms as unreasonable and questioned their legality, particularly given the nature of the case.
He pointed out that the bail conditions undermine the principles of fairness in judicial processes.
The bail terms have drawn widespread criticism, with many interpreting them as an attempt to suppress Farotimi’s voice.
The condition prohibiting him from giving media interviews has attracted huge attention, with critics arguing that it violates his freedom of speech.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
