Peter Obi Stands Surety for Dele Farotimi, Condemns Nigerian Legal System’s Inequalities

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has confirmed that he is one of the two sureties for the bail of human rights activist Dele Farotimi who was granted bail by the Ado Ekiti Magistrate Court, on Friday.

Obi who berated Nigeria’s legal system over the incarceration of a Nigerian for allegedly stealing a chicken, commended the Osun State governor, Ademola Adeleke, for quick intervention in the matter.

A post by the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Dr. Tanko Yunusa, said, ”I consulted HE Peter Obi as the leader of the Obidient Movement. As a respecter of rule of law, due process, and order he offered to take Dele Farontimi on the bail conditions.

”He thanked our courts and all concerned on this matter.

”His concern is that the situation be resolved to the best interest of all concerned as well as our legal system. He extended his sincere appreciation to all concerned.”

Yunusa said that all bail bonds may not be completed on Friday, ”because the bail was granted on Friday and we may not meet all the paper documentations, but we are optimistic that by Monday, we must have perfected the bail conditions.”

A Magistrate Court in Ado-Ekiti under Magistrarte Abayomi Adeosun, on Friday ruled on Farotimi’s bail application and granted N30 million bail to the activist.

The bail conditions include two sureties, who are “responsible citizens in the society”, with the defendant asked to leave his international passport with the court.

Farotimi would also not grant media interviews during the pendency of the case.

The police had accused Farotimi of “criminally defaming” Afe Babalola, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), in a book titled: ‘Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System’.

Before the bail ruling, Adeosun ruled that Olumide Fusika, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and Farotimi’s lead counsel, is prohibited from appearing before the court.

The Magistrate cited Section 9 of the Magistrate’s Courts Law 2014 to back his decision.

The activist pleaded not guilty to the defamation charge.

Farotimi is currently facing trial in two courts on charges bordering on the alleged defamation of Babalola.

On December 9, the Federal High Court in Ekiti granted Farotimi N50 million bail with one surety, following a 12-count charge bordering on cybercrime filed by the Inspector General of Police.

Meanwhile, reacting to the incarceration of a Nigerian for allegedly stealing a chicken on Friday via his X handle, Obi commended Governor Adeleke’s intervention while condemning the disparities in the Nigerian judicial system.

He wrote: “I commend Governor Ademola Adeleke for stepping in to prevent the inhumane punishment of death by hanging for the theft of a fowl and eggs—an offence for which the individual had already spent 14 years in prison.

“That sentence alone far exceeded the demands of justice, if the crime warranted such consideration in the first place.

 “This case underscores the harsh inequalities of the Nigerian legal system. If you dare to speak freely, you are treated as a criminal and silenced. If you embezzle billions of public funds, you are celebrated, even when caught and taken to court. Yet, those pursuing honest, legitimate businesses are burdened by oppressive regulations and treated with suspicion, as though success through integrity is a crime.”

In an interview on the Talk To B show, hosted by actress Abiola Adebayo and aired on Tuesday, Olowookere’s parents recounted their ordeal and expressed hope for justice after over a decade of legal battles.

They described the events leading to their son’s conviction and the subsequent hardships endured, insisting that he was wrongfully convicted.

The case has sparked widespread debate among Nigerians, prompting the intervention of Governor Adeleke.

The governor directed the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice to investigate the case fully and initiate processes for granting Olowookere a prerogative of mercy.

In a statement, Adeleke said, “Osun is a land of justice and equity, and we must ensure fairness and protection of the sanctity of lives. I assure members of the public that this matter is receiving my direct attention, with every sense of urgency attached to our response.”

 Chuks Okocha

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