Peter Obi In Ekiti To ‘Beg’ Afe Babalola, Visits Dele Farotimi In Prison [Photos]

Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate for the Labour Party (LP) and former governor of Anambra State, recently visited Aare Afe Babalola, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, to discuss the case of human rights lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi, who is currently imprisoned at the Ekiti State Correctional Facility.

Obi’s visit, which took place on Monday, was part of his broader effort to engage in meaningful discussions on various issues affecting the nation, particularly the situation of activists and legal practitioners like Farotimi. Social activist Moses Paul, who shared details of the visit on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, posted photos and videos from the day, highlighting the depth of discussions between Obi and Babalola.

According to Moses Paul’s post, Obi traveled from Lagos to Ekiti, dedicating the entire day to these important meetings. After meeting with Afe Babalola at his office in the Afe Babalola University, the two engaged in a candid exchange on key national concerns, including Farotimi’s ongoing legal battle. The visit then continued with Obi traveling to the prison facility where Farotimi is being held. There, Obi had a private meeting with the activist, during which he expressed his solidarity and had a frank discussion aimed at understanding and addressing the challenges surrounding Farotimi’s case.

Farotimi’s Imprisonment and Legal Charges

Dele Farotimi, a well-known activist and lawyer, was remanded in prison after being charged with defamation, following allegations that he had damaged the reputation of Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, the founder of Afe Babalola University. Farotimi is accused of making derogatory statements about Babalola in his recently released book titled ‘Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.’ The book, which critiques the country’s justice system, reportedly included remarks that Babalola and his associates deemed defamatory.

Farotimi was arraigned in court last Wednesday on 16 charges of defamation. During his court appearance, he pleaded not guilty to all the charges. The police prosecutor, Samson Osun, requested that Farotimi remain in custody while investigations into the matter continue. The prosecutor argued that Farotimi’s detention was necessary for public safety and to allow for a thorough investigation.

In response, Farotimi’s defense lawyer, Dayo Akeredolu, contested the request for detention, urging the court to grant him bail on self-recognition or under lenient conditions. Akeredolu emphasized that Farotimi was a well-known public figure who posed no flight risk or threat to public order. The court has yet to rule on the bail request.

Obi’s Appeal for Farotimi’s Release

During his meeting with Afe Babalola, Peter Obi reportedly appealed to the legal luminary on behalf of Farotimi, seeking leniency and urging Babalola to consider a resolution to the matter. Sources close to the meeting confirmed that Obi made a direct appeal to Babalola, highlighting Farotimi’s status as an activist and the potential implications of his prolonged imprisonment.

Obi’s visit has drawn attention to the ongoing concerns about freedom of speech and the treatment of activists in Nigeria, particularly those who speak out against powerful figures or institutions. Farotimi’s case, which has sparked public debate, is seen by many as a test of Nigeria’s commitment to protecting the rights of activists and legal professionals.

As the case progresses, the involvement of high-profile figures like Peter Obi and Afe Babalola underscores the significant public interest in the case and its potential impact on the broader fight for human rights and justice in Nigeria.

Next Steps and Public Reaction

The case against Dele Farotimi remains a focal point in the ongoing discussions about Nigeria’s criminal justice system and the protection of free speech. Activists, legal practitioners, and civil society groups have continued to express concern over what they see as an attempt to silence dissenting voices in the country. Farotimi’s supporters are hopeful that the legal process will ultimately lead to his release and a broader conversation about the need for reforms in the justice system.

As of now, the court is expected to rule on Farotimi’s bail application soon, and public pressure is likely to grow in the coming days, especially with the continued engagement of influential figures like Peter Obi. The outcome of this case will likely have far-reaching implications for the protection of human rights and the independence of the legal profession in Nigeria.