Peter Obi Visits Afe Babalola, Dele Farotimi In Ekiti Prison
Former Labour Party presidential candidate and ex-Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, met with Nigerian legal icon, Afe Babalola, SAN, in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.
According to a report in the Sahara Reporters, Obi had pleaded with Babalola to consider the “situation” of human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi, who is currently being held at the Ekiti prison.
The prominent legal figure has faced intense criticism since petitioning the Nigerian police to arrest Farotimi, prompting Nigerians both domestically and internationally to organize a massive protest to compel the nonagenarian to cease his alleged abuse of power.
Obi, who arrived in Ekiti State from Lagos on Monday, allegedly engaged in “indepth discussions” with Babalola, including on Farotimi’s matter, but sources who were present at the meeting confirmed that the former Labour Party candidate rather solicited the legal luminary’s assistance.
Farotimi had appeared in court on Monday following charges brought against him by Afe Babalola SAN under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015.
“Mr. Peter Obi traveled to Ekiti State from Lagos today and spent the day in 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 Dele Farotimi.”
“Afterwards, Mr. Peter Obi went to the prison facility where Dele Farotimi is being held; in a private meeting, he expressed solidarity and engaged in a candid exchange aimed at addressing the prevailing challenges.”
The Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, granted N50million bail to human rights lawyer, Farotimi, on Monday, following police charges over alleged cybercrime.
Justice Babs O. Kuewumi, who presided over the court on Monday, December 9, 2024, ruled that Farotimi be released on bail with conditions that included a N50 million surety and a guarantor with a landed property of equivalent value.
The case, with suit number FHC/AD/CR/104/2024, was brought by the Inspector-General of Police, alleging cybercrime activities linked to Farotimi.
Justice Kuewumi has postponed the case until January 29, 2025, to facilitate further proceedings.
It would be recalled that last Friday reported that the Nigerian police had filed fresh charges against Farotimi, before the Federal High Court In Ado-Ekiti, over allegations of cybercrime.
