Peter Obi, Obasanjo, and Kukah intervene as Farotimi remains in custody
Renowned legal expert Aare Afe Babalola (SAN) has reportedly outlined conditions for a resolution in the defamation case involving Lagos lawyer Dele Farotimi. Farotimi is being prosecuted in Ado-Ekiti for alleged criminal defamation and cybercrime, following claims made in his book Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System.
The police filed a petition against Farotimi on behalf of Chief Babalola, alleging defamation. Farotimi, who faces charges in both the Magistrate’s Court and Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti, has been in custody since last week.
On Monday, Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, visited Chief Babalola and later met with Farotimi at the Ado-Ekiti Correctional Center. Obi was joined by Sola Ebiseni, his campaign coordinator for the Southwest.
Sources disclosed that during a two-hour meeting with Obi, Chief Babalola proposed that Farotimi retract his not-guilty plea and publish a public apology in major newspapers. This, Babalola stated, could lead to the withdrawal of the case.
“Baba Afe told Obi that he has no personal gain in keeping Farotimi in custody. If Farotimi admits the allegations are false and apologizes, the case can be withdrawn,” a source revealed.
Farotimi, however, reportedly told Obi that he did not seek intervention on his behalf and demanded the case be withdrawn before he would consider an apology.
Efforts to mediate have also come from former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Bishop Matthew Kukah of Sokoto Diocese, with optimism expressed about a possible resolution.
Court Proceedings and Bail Application
Farotimi was initially arraigned before Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun for defamation, where he pleaded not guilty to the 16 charges. He was granted bail at the Federal High Court in a separate cybercrime case, requiring N50 million.
Despite the Federal High Court bail, the Magistrate’s court extended Farotimi’s remand until December 20, pending a ruling on his bail application.
During the hearing, Police Prosecuting Counsel Samson Osobu contested the appearance of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika for the defense, citing a Court of Appeal ruling that SANs cannot appear in magistrate courts. Olumide-Fusika countered, arguing that Ekiti law permits such appearances.
The magistrate deferred his decision on the prosecutor’s argument, asking Olumide-Fusika to step aside temporarily, allowing the senior lawyer on Farotimi’s defense team, Taiwo Adedeji, to continue the case.
Public Reactions
The courtroom and premises saw large crowds, with supporters and critics of Farotimi clashing outside. Tensions remain high as the case continues to draw significant public attention.
The court adjourned proceedings to December 20, when rulings on both the bail application and legal representation issues are expected.
