Tope Temokun, a lawyer representing human rights activist and legal practitioner Dele Farotimi, has clarified that his client did not send Peter Obi to appeal to octogenarian legal icon Afe Babalola regarding an ongoing defamation case.
Speaking on the Sunday edition of Inside Sources with Laolu Akande, a socio-political programme on Channels Television, Temokun addressed recent speculation surrounding Obi’s visits to both Farotimi and Babalola.
Earlier in December, Farotimi was arrested by the Ekiti State police at his Lagos office and transported to Ekiti State for prosecution. The charges stem from allegations in his book, Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System, where he accused Afe Babalola of corrupting the judiciary and procuring a revised Supreme Court judgment.
Farotimi has pleaded not guilty to the charges and is currently in remand, awaiting trial. He is also facing similar allegations in Abuja and Oyo State.
Temokun revealed that he visited Farotimi in Ado-Ekiti Correctional Centre on Friday to discuss the situation, especially after Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, met with both Farotimi and Babalola.
“The visit of Mr Peter Obi to Mr Dele Farotimi and subsequently to Aare Afe Babalola has created some lack of clarity,” Temokun said. “People are speculating about conditions for release, apologies, or potential out-of-court settlements.”
According to Temokun, Farotimi was unequivocal in denying any involvement in efforts to seek an apology or settlement.
“Farotimi told me, ‘Anyone familiar with my principles and philosophy should know I wouldn’t send anyone to beg on my behalf. If anyone believes otherwise, I’d be deeply disappointed, including you, Tope,’” Temokun recounted.
Confidence in Justice
Temokun added that Farotimi remains in high spirits and is optimistic about prevailing in court. “He is confident he will overcome the challenges he’s facing across the various courts,” Temokun affirmed.
Farotimi’s defamation case continues to draw attention, with a court hearing scheduled for December 20.
