Detained Human Rights Lawyer Dele Farotimi Denies Begging Afe Babalola for Mercy

Detained Human Rights Lawyer Dele Farotimi Denies Begging Afe Babalola for Mercy

Dele Farotimi, a detained human rights lawyer and activist, has vehemently denied sending anyone to plead with elder statesman, Chief Afe Babalola, who is currently suing him for defamation. Farotimi's denial comes amidst speculation that Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, had visited Afe Babalola to appeal for mercy on Farotimi's behalf.

According to Farotimi's lawyer, Tope Temokun, his client has maintained that he did not ask anyone to beg Afe Babalola or seek an out-of-court settlement. Temokun revealed that Farotimi made this clear during a prison visit, stating that anyone who thinks he would beg or send someone to beg on his behalf would be greatly disappointed.

Farotimi's associates have also weighed in on the matter, calling for his immediate release and condemning the alleged misuse of state resources to persecute him. In a statement, they described Farotimi's arrest and detention as a "troubling disregard for procedural fairness and the rule of law."

The controversy surrounding Farotimi's book, "Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System," has sparked a heated debate about the integrity of Nigeria's justice system. The book, which has been praised by some for its bold examination of the system's flaws, has been criticized by others for its alleged inaccuracies and biases. Afe Babalola, a respected elder statesman and lawyer, took umbrage with the book's contents and subsequently sued Farotimi for defamation.

Farotimi's detention has raised concerns about the safety and well-being of the detained lawyer. His associates have expressed fears that his continued detention could have severe consequences for his health and livelihood. The Nigerian authorities have been accused of using Farotimi's detention as a means of silencing him and suppressing his criticisms of the justice system.

As the case continues to unfold, many are watching to see how the Nigerian authorities will respond to Farotimi's detention and the allegations of misconduct. The international community has also been urged to take notice of the developments in the case and to demand that the Nigerian authorities respect Farotimi's rights and ensure his safety and well-being.

The Nigerian government has been criticized for its handling of the case, with many accusing it of using the justice system to persecute critics and opponents. The case has also highlighted the need for greater transparency and accountability in Nigeria's justice system.

Farotimi's lawyer, Temokun, has vowed to continue fighting for his client's rights and to ensure that justice is served. "We will not be intimidated or deterred by the actions of the Nigerian authorities," Temokun said. "We will continue to demand that Dele Farotimi's rights be respected and that he be released from detention immediately."