By: Bayero Ade
Detained human rights lawyer, Mr. Dele Farotimi, has strongly denied reports suggesting that he sent anyone to plead with Chief Afe Babalola, SAN, who has taken legal action against him for defamation.
Farotimi, currently on trial in Ekiti State over a defamation case tied to his book Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System, is facing calls from some of his associates for his release, citing violations of his rights.
The controversy arose following a visit by Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, to Afe Babalola, with some sources suggesting that Obi’s visit was aimed at interceding on Farotimi’s behalf. However, during a recent prison visit, Farotimi’s lawyer, Mr. Tope Temokun, clarified that Farotimi had not requested Obi’s intervention or any out-of-court settlement.
Temokun shared that during his visit to Farotimi in Ado-Ekiti’s correctional facility, the two discussed the rumors surrounding Obi’s visit and the conditions for Farotimi’s release. “I came to confirm directly with Mr. Farotimi about these events and to clarify his position,” Temokun said.
Farotimi, according to Temokun, expressed strong disapproval of anyone thinking he would send someone to beg Babalola. “If anyone believes I would ask someone to beg, they don’t know me,” Farotimi stated, adding, “I would be deeply disappointed if even you, Tope, thought that of me.”
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