News

Sowore Criticize Peter Obi’s ‘Begging’ as Farotimi’s Detention Is Extended by 10 Days

Published by Tope Fakinlede on December 10th, 2024.

Sowore Criticize Peter Obi’s ‘Begging’ as Farotimi’s Detention Is Extended by 10 Days

Omoyele Sowore

Sowore Criticize Peter Obi’s ‘Begging’ as Farotimi’s Detention Is Extended by 10 Days

A court hearing on Tuesday saw Farotimi’s bail application adjourned until December 20, resulting in another 10 days behind bars for the outspoken social justice advocate, who faces defamation charges.

Sowore, who has been vocal about human rights abuses in Nigeria, condemned the meeting between Obi, the former Labour Party presidential candidate, and legal giant Afe Babalola, where Obi reportedly appealed for Farotimi’s release. Sowore argued that this intervention only led to a prolonged detention for Farotimi.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Sowore remarked: “See what begging has done,” implying that such actions only served to reinforce the very judicial oppression Farotimi has long fought against.

“The ruling on @delefarotimi’s bail application was today adjourned to December 20. Dele Farotimi has been sent back to prison for the next 10 days. See what begging has done?” Sowore wrote, expressing his frustration over the outcome.

Sowore also criticized Obi for reportedly pleading with Afe Babalola, a senior advocate involved in Farotimi’s detention. He claimed that Babalola had used the Nigerian police to forcibly transport Farotimi from Lagos to Ekiti, where he remains in detention on charges linked to cybercrime.

In a statement shared on Monday, Sowore condemned Obi’s actions, calling it a significant setback in the fight against judicial corruption in Nigeria. He likened Obi’s behavior to forcing Rosa Parks to give up her seat on the bus during the American civil rights movement, a metaphor that underscored Sowore’s belief that Obi’s intervention had betrayed the cause of justice.

Sowore’s comments highlight the ongoing tensions surrounding Farotimi’s case and the broader struggle for judicial reform in Nigeria.