Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has stepped into the ongoing controversy involving human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi, who is currently being held in Ekiti prison.
Obi visited renowned legal luminary Afe Babalola, SAN, in Ado-Ekiti on Monday, December 9, 2024, to discuss the issue.
The meeting has sparked public interest as Obi reportedly pleaded with Babalola to reconsider the situation surrounding Farotimi’s imprisonment.
Babalola, a respected senior advocate and founder of Afe Babalola University, had earlier faced criticism for petitioning the police to arrest Farotimi.
The arrest and subsequent court case have drawn protests from Nigerians, both at home and abroad.
Critics accuse Babalola of abusing his influence to target Farotimi, who is a vocal human rights activist.
Protesters are already planning a large demonstration to demand an end to what they describe as “an abuse of power.”
Sources close to the meeting said Obi appealed to Babalola’s sense of justice and fairness, urging him to consider the implications of the case.
Social media users also highlighted Obi’s efforts, praising him for taking a hands-on approach.
“Today, Mr. Peter Obi travelled from Lagos to Ekiti State, dedicating the entire day to meaningful engagements,” wrote a user on X (formerly Twitter).
“He visited Aare Afe Babalola at his office within Afe Babalola University, where they had in-depth discussions on critical issues, including the situation of activist and lawyer Dele Farotimi.”
Obi also visited the Ekiti prison where Farotimi is being held.
There, he reportedly had a private conversation with Farotimi to express solidarity and discuss the legal battle ahead.
Farotimi’s case has drawn national attention after fresh charges were filed against him by the Nigerian police under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015.
He was accused of engaging in cybercrime activities in a case filed by the Inspector-General of Police.
The case, numbered FHC/AD/CR/104/2024, has seen Farotimi appear before the Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti.
On Monday, December 9, 2024, Justice Babs O. Kuewumi granted Farotimi bail under strict conditions.
The court ruled that Farotimi must provide a surety who could deposit N50 million and possess a landed property of equivalent value.
Justice Kuewumi, however, adjourned the case to January 29, 2025, for further hearings.
Sahara Reporters had earlier reported that the police filed additional charges against Farotimi last Friday.
Farotimi’s supporters have decried the legal proceedings, arguing that they are politically motivated.
Human rights organizations have also called for his immediate release, citing concerns about the misuse of cybercrime laws to silence activists.
Babalola has not made any public comments regarding Obi’s visit or the allegations against him.
However, legal analysts believe Obi’s intervention could influence the outcome of the case.
Farotimi, a fierce critic of government policies and advocate for social justice, has become a symbol of resistance against oppression.
His arrest has galvanized civil society groups, with many accusing the authorities of attempting to stifle dissent.
The situation has also reignited debates over the misuse of Nigeria’s cybercrime laws, which critics say are often deployed to target journalists and activists.
As the January 29 court date approaches, all eyes will be on the legal proceedings and the broader implications for freedom of speech in Nigeria.
For now, Obi’s efforts to mediate in the case have drawn both praise and scrutiny, adding another layer of complexity to the unfolding drama.
Whether his intervention will lead to Farotimi’s freedom remains uncertain, but his visit underscores the growing public demand for justice in the controversial case.
