2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi has pledged to fulfill the bail conditions of human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi.
Farotimi was granted bail by an Ekiti Magistrate Court in a defamation case involving Afe Babalola.
The bail conditions require a N30 million bond, two sureties (one of whom must own a house), surrendering his passport, and refraining from granting media interviews.
Peter Obi’s decision was announced by Tanko Yunusa, a former spokesperson for Obi’s 2023 presidential campaign in a statement shared on Friday via his X account.
Yunusa explained that Obi, as a proponent of the rule of law, wanted the issue resolved in a way that respects legal processes and benefits everyone involved.
“I consulted His Excellency, Peter Obi, as the leader of the Obidient Movement. As a respecter of rule of law, due process, and order, he offered to take Dele Farotimi on the bail conditions,” Yunusa stated.
He further conveyed Obi’s gratitude to the courts and others involved in the matter.
READ ALSO: Ekiti court grants Farotimi bail
“His concern is that the situation be resolved in the best interest of all parties and our legal system. He extended his sincere appreciation to all concerned,” Yunusa adds.
The human rights lawyer’s arrest followed a petition by Chief Afe Babalola, a prominent Nigerian lawyer.
The case, identified as suit no: MAD/1,476.C/2024, features the Ekiti State Commissioner of Police as the complainant, with Farotimi as the defendant.
The charges against him include allegations related to his book, “Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System”, which was published and circulated globally, including in Ado-Ekiti. One specific accusation, from page IX of the book, reads: “That Aare Afe Babalola corrupted the Supreme Court to procure a fraudulent judgment in the service of his clients,” a statement deemed likely to cause public alarm. The charge is brought under Section 59(1) of the Criminal Code Act, claiming that Farotimi knew or had reason to believe the statement was false.
Credible News.ng
