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 had pleaded with Babalola to consider the “situation” of human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi, who is at the Ekiti prison.
The legal luminary has come under intense criticisms since he petitioned the Nigerian police to arrest Farotimi, with Nigerians locally and in the diaspora already set for a mega protest to force the nonagenarian to stop his alleged abuse of power.
Obi, who came from Lagos to Ekiti State on Monday, reportedly had “indepth discussions” with Babalola including on Farotimi’s matter, but sources who were at the meeting confirmed that the former Labour Party candidate rather begged the legal luminary.
Farotimi had 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 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,” an X user posted.
“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. – DrMo”
The Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, on Monday had granted N50million 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 Monday, December 9, 2024, had ruled that Farotimi be released on bail with conditions that included a N50million 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.
However, Justice Kuewumi adjourned the case to January 29, 2025, for further proceedings.
SaharaReporters had last Friday reported that the Nigerian police filed fresh charges against Farotimi, before the Federal High Court In Ado-Ekiti, over allegations of cybercrime.
