Peter Obi visits Afe Babalola amid Dele Farotimi defamation case

The Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, visited Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, the founder of Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), at his office on Monday.

Sources suggest that Obi’s visit may be related to the ongoing defamation case brought by Babalola against Lagos-based lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi, a prominent member of the “Obidient” movement.

The case concerns alleged defamatory statements in Farotimi’s book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Judicial System.

Reports indicate that the meeting may have been arranged by a former president close to Babalola, seeking an alternative resolution to the legal dispute.

Background of the Case

Farotimi was recently arraigned before a magistrate court in Ado-Ekiti after a petition filed by Aare Afe Babalola. Additionally, a fresh 12-count cybercrime charge against Farotimi has been filed by the Inspector General of Police, under case number FHC/AD/CR/104/2024, at the Federal High Court.

Farotimi was granted bail by the Federal High Court, with conditions including a N50 million bond and surety of the same value. However, as of the report’s filing, his legal team was still working on meeting the bail requirements.

Peter Obi’s Additional Engagements

During his visit to Ekiti State, Obi reportedly had sessions with Farotimi at the correctional facility, further showing his support and involvement in the case.