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Ekiti Magistrate Court Faces Backlash Over Harsh Bail Conditions for Dele Farotimi
The Ekiti State Magistrate Court has come under fire after imposing stringent bail conditions on human rights lawyer and activist, Dele Farotimi.
The court on Friday set bail at N30 million, requiring two sureties — one of whom must be a property owner — and ordered Farotimi to surrender his passport and abstain from granting media interviews.
The bail terms, which activists have described as oppressive, have sparked widespread condemnation, with Comrade Ufezime Nelson Ubi calling the court’s actions a blatant attempt to silence dissent.
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In a statement released on Saturday, Ubi described the bail terms as “obnoxious and oppressive,” labeling them a calculated attempt to suppress dissent and silence a voice for justice.
He accused the judiciary of weaponizing bail to further political repression.
He said, “Bail is a constitutional right, designed to ensure that an accused person remains free while awaiting trial. However, in the case of Comrade Farotimi, the court has weaponized bail as a means of political repression.”
He described the N30 million bond as excessive and financially punitive.
“The imposition of a N30 million bond is not just excessive; it is a blatant attempt to cripple Comrade Farotimi financially,” Ubi stated. “In a country where the majority of its citizens live in poverty, this bond is a deliberate barrier to justice.”
Ubi argued that the bail conditions were designed not to ensure Farotimi’s court attendance but to isolate and punish him for his activism.
“By demanding two sureties, including a property owner, the court has created conditions that exclude the majority of Nigerians,” he said.
The activist further criticized the order for Farotimi to surrender his passport and refrain from speaking to the media.
“Requiring the surrender of his passport violates his fundamental right to freedom of movement,” Ubi said.
“And the gag order is an explicit infringement on his right to free speech and expression. It is an attempt to silence him and prevent him from sharing his message with the public.”
Ubi warned that the court’s actions set a dangerous precedent that undermines democracy and public trust in the judiciary.
“These bail conditions are part of a broader strategy of intimidation and repression aimed at stifling activism across Nigeria,” he said. “They represent an attempt to send a clear message to all Nigerians: speak out, and you will face severe consequences.”
He called on the judiciary to reaffirm its commitment to justice, fairness, and equality.
“The judiciary should serve as the ultimate defender of justice, equity, and fairness. In this case, it has failed in its duty and aligned itself with the forces of repression,” Ubi lamented.
Urging Nigerians to take a stand, Ubi emphasized the need for collective action.
“Comrade Dele Farotimi’s courage in the face of these oppressive bail terms is an inspiration to all who believe in the fight for truth and accountability,” he said. “It is our collective responsibility to stand with him and with all those who refuse to be silenced by fear and intimidation.”
Ubi concluded by stressing the importance of resisting oppressive systems.
“Let us rise to defend democracy, justice, and freedom. The future of Nigeria depends on our collective will to resist tyranny and to restore the rule of law,” he said.
As part of efforts to curb kidnapping in Edo State, the State Government, security operatives stormed a major hideout used by kidnapper in Esan North-East Local Government Area, Edo Central Senatorial District.
The action was led by the Task Force against Kidnapping, according to a government house statement in Benin City transpired on Friday.
It was gathered that the Task Force during the operation cleared abandoned structures and thick bushes along the Uzea-Itakpe railway corridor in used by kidnappers.
It added that the exercise was aimed at eliminating criminal hideouts, with a view to improving visibility for enhanced security surveillance.
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The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Akhere Paul described the area as a notorious transit point for kidnappers operating along the railway axis, Esan forests, and parts of Etsako West.
He explained that criminals used the abandoned structures as temporary holding camps for their victims before relocating them.
“If they kidnap people here, they bring them to this hideout, rest, and then move them to other locations, including Itakpe in Kogi State and Ama Community in Etsako West. This area has been a hotspot for kidnappings, affecting both the wealthy and poor, including farmers who use this route. As a government, we will not rest until kidnapping is eradicated in Edo State,” he stated.
The Commander of the Task Force, SP Michael Anetor, emphasized that intelligence reports and recent arrests informed the demolition exercise.
“The DPO covering this area and the local government authorities have investigated, and our findings confirm that this location is a strategic point for kidnappers. They ambush victims, and if moving them immediately is not feasible, they hold them here before proceeding. These abandoned houses and dense trees serve as their operational base,” Anetor explained.
He further assured residents that security agencies would sustain their crackdown on criminal elements to restore safety in the area.
Citing some residents who preferred to remain anonymous, the statement added that the abandoned structures and overgrown vegetation had long served as hideouts for criminals, allowing them to monitor potential victims before launching attacks.
Tragedy struck on Thursday as an unidentified woman plunged into the Lagos Lagoon from the Third Mainland Bridge near the University of Lagos (UNILAG) waterfront.
Despite prompt efforts by marine police officers stationed nearby, she was recovered lifeless.
Eyewitnesses said the incident occurred around 4 p.m., prompting an immediate response from the marine police unit.
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However, despite their swift intervention, the woman was confirmed dead by UNILAG medical personnel upon arrival.
Confirming the incident, Lagos State Police Command spokesman Benjamin Hundeyin provided details of the recovery operation.
“Today, March 13, 2025, at about 1600 hours, an unidentified woman reportedly jumped from the Third Mainland Bridge into the water near the UNILAG waterfront at approximately 1500 hours.
“She was recovered at the University of Lagos shore slipway by a team of marine police officers stationed in the area. Despite their efforts, she was confirmed dead by a team of UNILAG medical doctors in the presence of officers from the Sabo Police Division.”
He further disclosed that the body had been moved to the Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH) Mortuary in Yaba for preservation.
Although the motive behind the incident remains unclear, some witnesses suspected suicide. The authorities have yet to establish any conclusive reasons for the tragic act.
Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has articulated the rationale behind his administration’s economic reforms, saying the primary motive was protecting the interests of future generations.
This view was shared in a statehouse statement on Thursday, in Abuja by the Special Adviser to the President, (Information & Strategy), Bayo Onanuga.
He declared thus, “For 50 years, Nigeria was spending money of generations yet unborn and servicing the West coast of our subregion with fuel. It was getting difficult to plan for our children’s future.”
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President Tinubu was receiving a delegation of former National Assembly colleagues from the aborted Third Republic, during which he served as a Senator representing Lagos West, when he bared his mind.
He highlighted the challenges faced at the beginning of his administration, especially economic and social issues, and expressed his gratitude for the delegation’s support in addressing these difficulties:
“We faced serious headwinds when I took over, very challenging times. Nigeria would have been bankrupt if we had not taken the actions that we took, and we had to prevent the economy’s collapse,” he added.
President Tinubu made it clear that the administration had been able to stem the tide and expressed appreciation to Nigerians for their collective support in turning things around.
“Today, we are sitting pretty on a good foundation. We have reversed the problem; the Exchange rate is stabilising. Food prices are coming down, especially during Ramadan. We will have light at the end of the tunnel.”
He said firm adherence to democratic tenets is the best route to economic, social, and political development.
“I am happy that you are holding to your belief in democracy. I thank you for keeping faith and remembering how we started. Some people missed the ball.
“Some leadership failed, but we kept the faith with our democratic beliefs and freedom and the right to aspire to the highest office in the land. I am benefitting from it.”
Senator Emmanuel Chiedoziem Nwaka, who spoke on behalf of the group, expressed his delight at some of the programmes that the Tinubu administration had implemented, especially the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) and at what the two organisations were offering Nigerians.
“I appreciate you for what you are giving to students because the student population is the largest demographic in the country. I’ve spoken with many of them, and many have benefited from it.
“And the next one is the CREDICORP. That’s a major way of fighting corruption. You see a young man, you come out of school, you want to buy a car, you have to put down cash, you want to buy a house, and you are not married, but with the CREDICORP, you can get things done. I’m following their activities; we are delighted,” he said.
Other members of the delegation were Sen. Bako Aufara Musa, Hon. Terwase Orbunde, Hon. Wasiu Logun, Hon. Amina Aliyu, High Chief Obi Anoliefo and Hon. Eze Nwauwa.
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