Peter Obi Meets Afe Babalola to Discuss Dele Farotimi’s Situation, Visits Him in Ekiti Prison
Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) and former governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, has met with Nigerian legal luminary, Afe Babalola, SAN, in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State. Obi pleaded with Babalola to consider the “situation” of human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi, who is currently in Ekiti prison.
Babalola has faced intense criticism since he petitioned the Nigerian police to arrest Farotimi, with Nigerians locally and in the diaspora preparing for a mega protest to stop the alleged abuse of power by the nonagenarian.
Obi, who traveled from Lagos to Ekiti State on Monday, reportedly had “in-depth discussions” with Babalola, including on Farotimi’s matter. Sources at the meeting confirmed that the former Labour Party candidate pleaded with the legal luminary.
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Farotimi appeared before the court on Monday following charges brought against him by Afe Babalola SAN under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015.
“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 activists and lawyer @DeleFarotimi,” an X user posted.
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“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 post continued.
The Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, on Monday granted N50 million bail to human rights lawyer Farotimi after the police filed charges against him over allegations of cybercrime. Justice Babs O. Kuewumi, presiding over the court on December 9, 2024, ruled that Farotimi be released on bail with conditions that included a N50 million surety and a guarantor possessing a landed property of equivalent value.
The case, with suit number FHC/AD/CR/104/2024, was filed by the Inspector-General of Police, alleging cybercrime activities linked to Farotimi. Justice Kuewumi adjourned the case to January 29, 2025, for further proceedings.
Ejes Gist News had reported last Friday that the Nigerian police filed fresh charges against Farotimi before the Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti over allegations of cybercrime.
