Omoyele Sowore Condemns Peter Obi’s Intervention in Dele Farotimi’s Detention
Bola Abiola, Lagos.
Human rights activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, has criticized former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi for leading a delegation to appeal to Chief Afe Babalola regarding the detention of fellow activist Dele Farotimi. Sowore expressed his disapproval on his Facebook account, stating that such actions undermine the fight against judicial corruption in Nigeria.
Dele Farotimi, a human rights lawyer, was arrested by the Ekiti State Police Command over allegations of defamation and cyberbullying against Afe Babalola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). The charges stem from claims made in Farotimi’s book, “Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System,” where he alleged that Babalola had compromised the Supreme Court. Following his arrest, an Ado-Ekiti Magistrates’ Court remanded Farotimi in a correctional center until December 10, 2024.
In response to Farotimi’s detention, Peter Obi visited Afe Babalola at his office within Afe Babalola University to discuss the situation. After the meeting, Obi proceeded to the prison facility where Farotimi is being held.
Sowore condemned Obi’s approach, comparing it to forcing Rosa Parks to return to the back of the bus during the Civil Rights era in the United States. He emphasized that such actions are a disservice to the fight against judicial corruption in Nigeria.
The arrest and detention of Dele Farotimi have sparked widespread reactions. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the Nigerian Bar Association have called for his immediate release, describing the arrest as a misuse of police power and an assault on democracy and justice.
Sowore has also mobilized a series of protests against Farotimi’s detention, urging Nigerians to join a nationwide and global protest against the judiciary over the prosecution of the activist.
The situation continues to develop, with various stakeholders calling for adherence to the rule of law and the protection of human rights in Nigeria.
