The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 Presidential Election, Peter Obi has kicked against the remand of Human Rights Lawyer, Dele Farotimi in prison.
Edum News reported that Farotimi was remanded by the Ekiti State Magistrate Court for allegedly defaming the founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola.
Reacting to this in a statement shared on his official X account on Wednesday, the former Anambra State Governor lamented the fact that the current leadership is out to silence opposing voices.
He further noted that the way the defamation case was handled shows that the Nigeria is no longer following democracy which entails freedom of expression and innocence until found guilty before a law court.
His post reads, “The handling of the case involving human rights lawyer @DeleFarotomi runs foul of every Democratic norm that guarantees freedom of expression and innocence until found guilty before a law court. It’s curious that the Nigeria Police, who are struggling with a barrage of crimes all over the place, now indulge in civil cases on half complaints and rush to court at the speed of light.
“Hearing that Dele Farotimi has been remanded in prison over an allegation of defamation is very disturbing. This development raises serious concerns about the state of justice and freedom of expression in our country, particularly when viewed against the backdrop of the alarming rise in criminal activities across the nation.
“At a time when national efforts should be directed toward addressing pressing issues such as insecurity, corruption, and economic challenges, it is disheartening to see the focus shifted to cases that appear to stifle critical voices. Matters of defamation are civil and should be treated as such, not turned into a tool for intimidation or the erosion of fundamental rights.”
