The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, on Monday evening visited the founder of Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, in his office located at the campus of the institution, to plead on behalf of Dele Farotimi.
Farotimi faces defamation and cybercrime charges in an Ekiti State Magistrates’ Court and the Federal High Court, Ado Ekiti.
The defamation charge stems from allegations in Farotimi’s book “Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System” that accused Babalola of influencing Supreme Court judges.
While the Magistrates’ Court had earlier remanded Farotimi and adjourned the case until December 10, the Federal High Court granted him bail on Monday, setting the terms at N50 million.
Sources in Ado Ekiti said that Obi was with Babalola to appeal to the senior advocate on the matter of Farotimi.
A source said, “After Obi made his case for Farotimi, Babalola asked whether he had seen Farotimi that he had come to appeal on his behalf to know whether he has been remorseful.
“Babalola told Obi that everything depended on whether Farotimi was remorseful for his actions or not.
Another source, who corroborated him, added, “From what I saw, Babalola would be willing to forgive Farotimi, except he decided to choose the path of perdition.
“I think that as it is, he (Farotimi) has to plead for forgiveness before he can be forgiven. We told Obi to go and talk to Farotimi, but if he is not ready for apology and says that he has evidence to prove that Babalola corrupted Supreme Court judges, let him go and prove that in court.
“So, consequent upon that, Obi went to the correctional centre to meet with Farotimi. But I cannot say yet what transpired there. But I can tell you that Obi went there to meet him.”
Meanwhile, a social activist, Moses Paul, shared video and pictures of Obi visiting Afe Babalola and the correctional service in Ado-Ekiti.
Mr. Paul wrote, “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, Dele Farotimi.
“Following this, Mr. Peter Obi proceeded to the prison facility where Dele Farotimi was being held. In a private meeting, he expressed solidarity and engaged in a candid exchange aimed at addressing the prevailing challenges.”
