Former Labour Party presidential candidate and ex-governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, has met with prominent legal icon, Afe Babalola, SAN, in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, to discuss the ongoing legal challenges of human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi.
Obi’s visit on Monday came amid mounting criticisms against Babalola, who had petitioned the Nigerian Police to arrest Farotimi over alleged cybercrime. The case has sparked outrage, with Nigerians at home and abroad planning protests to address what they perceive as an abuse of power by the senior advocate.
According to sources present at the meeting, Obi urged Babalola to consider the “situation” of Farotimi, currently detained at an Ekiti prison. Discussions were reportedly extensive, but insiders suggest that Obi’s approach was more of an appeal to the nonagenarian.
Farotimi was arraigned before the Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti on charges brought against him under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015. Justice Babs O. Kuewumi granted him bail on Monday, December 9, 2024, with stringent conditions, including a N50 million surety and a guarantor with a landed property of equivalent value.
Despite the bail, Farotimi remains in custody, prompting Obi to visit the prison facility following his meeting with Babalola. An X (formerly Twitter) user, DrMo, shared details of Obi’s engagement, writing:
Today, Mr. @PeterObi traveled from Lagos to Ekiti State, dedicating the entire day to meaningful engagements. He visited Aare Afe Babalola at his office within the Afe Babalola University, where they had in-depth discussions on critical issues, including the situation of… pic.twitter.com/1geOoPQtRf
— Dr Mo (Moses Paul) (@Drmopaul) December 9, 2024
“Today, Mr. @PeterObi travelled from Lagos to Ekiti State, dedicating the entire day to meaningful engagements. He visited Aare Afe Babalola at his office within the Afe Babalola University, where they had in-depth discussions on critical issues, including the situation of activists and lawyer @DeleFarotimi. Following this, Mr. @PeterObi proceeded to the prison facility where @DeleFarotimi is being held. In a private meeting, he expressed solidarity and engaged in a candid exchange aimed at addressing the prevailing challenges.”
The case against Farotimi, with suit number FHC/AD/CR/104/2024, was filed by the Inspector-General of Police, alleging cybercrime activities. Justice Kuewumi adjourned the matter to January 29, 2025, for further proceedings.
The detention and handcuffing of Farotimi have drawn widespread condemnation, with many describing it as disproportionate for a lawyer accused of defamation and cyberstalking. Critics argue that the actions undermine the integrity of the Nigerian legal system.
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