Just in: Thugs Allegedly Mobilised By Ekiti Government, Afe Babalola Surround Court Premises In Ado-Ekiti As Dele Farotimi’s Hearing Begins

Political thugs allegedly mobilised by the Ekiti State government and legal luminary, Afe Babalola, SAN, have gathered around the Magistrate Court premises, allegedly intimidating those in attendance.

This is as human rights lawyer and activist, Dele Farotimi, arrived at the Magistrate Court, where he faces charges following his detention at the Ekiti Prison.

Farotimi, who was abducted from Lagos to Ekiti last week over accusations of cybercrime, appeared in court over a petition filed by Afe Babalola, SAN.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the Take-It-Back Movement alleged that thugs loyal to Afe Babalola and the Ekiti State government have gathered around the court premises, allegedly intimidating those in attendance.

“At the magistrate court in Ekiti over unjust detention of Dele Farotimi, thugs loyal to Afe Babalola and Ekiti state government have surrounded court premises. Efforts to get @PoliceNG to intervene proved abortive, suggesting connivance. #FreeDeleFarotimiNow is a must!.”

Earlier, it was reported that the Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, on Monday granted N50million bail to human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi, after the police filed charges against him over allegations of cybercrime.

Justice Babs O. Kuewumi, presiding over the court on Monday, December 9, 2024, ruled that Farotimi be released on bail with conditions that included a N50million surety and a guarantor possessing a landed property of equivalent value.

The case, with suit number FHC/AD/CR/104/2024, was filed by the Inspector-General of Police, alleging cybercrime activities linked to Farotimi.

However, Justice Kuewumi adjourned the case to January 29, 2025, for further proceedings.