News
Peter Obi commends Afe Babalola for dropping defamation cases against Farotimi
The Labour Party presidential flag bearer in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, on Monday, praised the founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, Aare Afe Babalola, for agreeing to withdraw the cases instituted against human rights activist and lawyer, Dele Farotimi.
Following Babalola’s petition to the police commissioner in Ekiti that Farotimi defamed him in a book titled ‘Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System’, the police arrested the activist and arraigned him before two courts in Ekiti.
Consequently, Farotimi stood trial for alleged criminal defamation before an Ekiti State Magistrate Court, Ado Ekiti District and as well for alleged cyber-bullying before the Ado Ekiti Division of Federal High Court.
However, Babalola, who spoke at ABUAD after the intervention of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and other top traditional rulers at the midnight meeting, said, he had agreed to withdraw the criminal case, saying, “I will tell my lawyers to withdraw the case.”
Also in attendance were the Chairman, Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers and the Olojudo of Ido Ekiti, Oba Ayorinde Ilori-Faboro; the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe; the Ajero of Ijero Ekiti, Oba Joseph Adewole: the Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti, Oba Adejimi Adu; the Oloye of Oye Ekiti, Oba Michael Ademolaju; and the Alaaye of Efon Ekiti, Oba Emmanuel Aladejare.
Babalola, who restated the importance of the Yoruba traditional institution and the influence it wielded, said, “The monarchs are here, they have appealed to me over a criminal charge involving somebody who said I was corrupt.”
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria said that he felt so bad that Farotimi accused him of winning all his cases through corruption; hence, he rejected all earlier appeals to him to take the cases out of court.
He also listed those who appealed to him to take the matter out of court including former President Olusegun Obasanjo; the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Mathew Kukah; and the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adejugbe.
Reacting, Obi welcomed the development as a positive outcome.
Speaking through his media aide, Ibrahim Umar, the former Anambra governor stated that the decision demonstrated that Babalola is committed to finding peaceful solutions to the conflict.
He said, “We are pleased that this matter has been resolved amicably, and we believe that this outcome is a testament to the power of dialogue, and constructive engagement. Let me set the record straight: Obi’s visit to Afe Babalola was not about begging for pardon for Dele Farotimi, but rather a genuine effort at intervention and conflict resolution.
“As a leader, Obi recognises the importance of peaceful resolution of disputes, and his actions were guided by this principle. Now, with the news that Afe Babalola has agreed to withdraw the suit against Dele Farotimi, we welcome this development as a positive outcome of Obi’s intervention.
“This decision demonstrates that Chief Babalola is also committed to finding peaceful solutions to conflicts, and we commend him for this gesture. It’s worth noting that Mr. Obi’s actions were driven by his desire to facilitate a peaceful resolution that would allow all parties to move forward positively and constructively
In a similar development, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Yunusa Tanko in an exclusive interview with The PUNCH also applauded Babalola for withdrawing the charges.
Tanko, who was Obi’s former spokesman, added that he was happy the efforts put in by Obi and other elder statesmen finally paid off.
“The withdrawal of the defamation suit against Farotimi was a landmark achievement on the part of the Nigerian people who stood firm in the demand for his release. To say the truth, we have challenges in every sphere of our lives.
“But Dele is very good at articulating or bringing out the ills within the judicial system. He didn’t mean to intimidate or hurt anybody. Rather he brings it out so that if there are chance of us redeeming ourselves, it will be a big opportunity.
“It is a commendable effort. This is also to show the kind of empathy Peter Obi and he protects everybody, especially those close to him,” he noted.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
There’s fear in Iviukhua community, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State following the abduction of a Catholic priest and a seminarian by unidentified gunmen.
Rev. Fr. Philip-Mario Ekweli, the Parish Priest of St. Peter’s Apostle Catholic Church, and Bro. Peter Andrew, a seminarian, were reportedly kidnapped Monday night when assailants stormed the church premises.
The attack, which occurred around 10:30 pm, has left residents in a state of fear and anxiety.
As of Tuesday morning, no group has claimed responsibility of the incident, and there has been no word from the kidnappers regarding their demands.
Reports say local authorities and security forces have launched an investigation and are actively working to secure the release of the victims.
The abduction has ignited widespread concern among the Christian community and beyond, with many decrying the worsening security situation in the community.
According to a source, due to this negative incident, members of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, to which the parish belongs, have intensified prayers for the safe return of the clergymen, while community leaders have called for urgent intervention by security agencies.
Contacted, the Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO), Moses Yamu said a press statement would be released soon regarding the incident.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
hotel after receiving a female.
The police further explained that he did not die in the hands of kidnappers as widely reported by the media.
This was contained in a statement signed by SP Josephine Adeh, spokesperson of the command stating that:
“In light of the recent reports alleging that retired Comptroller General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, David Shikfu Parradang, was kidnapped and subsequently killed, we wish to clarify the facts surrounding this incident to ensure accurate information is disseminated to the public.
On March 3, 2025, at approximately 12:00 PM, Mr. Parradang arrived at Joy House Hotel, Area 3 Junction, driving a black Mercedes Benz. He checked into the hotel, paying a sum of Twenty two thousand naira (N22,000) for one night’s stay.
Shortly thereafter, he directed the hotel room attendant to escort a female guest who had come to visit to his room.
This lady left the hotel premises around 04:00PM of the same day.
Mr. Parradang did not exit his room after the lady left. Around 04:00 AM of 04 March 2025, a friend who is a military officer, concerned for his wellbeing, traced him to the hotel.
Upon arrival, the hotel receptionist and the officer proceeded to his room, where Mr. Parradang was found deceased, seated in a chair.
The Durumi Police Station was notified and officers promptly arrived at the scene, secured the area, took photographs, and collected all relevant evidence to preserve the integrity of the crime scene.
The body has been transferred to the National Hospital for necessary procedures, and hotel staff are currently cooperating with Police investigations.
Effort is in top gear to effect the arrest of the lady.
We urge the public and media outlets to refrain from spreading unverified information, including claims of kidnapping, that may incite fear or panic.
The FCT Police Command is committed to conducting a thorough investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding Mr. Parradang’s death. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we work to ensure justice is served.
Tension In Edo Community As Gunmen Abduct Catholic Priest, Seminarian
Police clarifies on death of ex-NIS boss, says his body was found in hotel
Reps Summon Labour Minister Over Failure To Constitute NSITF Board
Just in: Terrorists ambush military truck, kill all soldiers on board
Nigerian Dancer, Korra Obidi Attacked with acid, stabbed on stage In UK
Meet Rare Gem 16 Years Old Chiaza, CEO of ‘RUN MARKET PLACE’
-
News23 hours agoOba Akamo denies conferring king of street title on Portable
-
Politics17 hours agoLP snubs NLC interference, turns down merger
-
News7 hours agoS#exual harassment: Akpabio has no right to intimidate elected female senators
-
Metro17 hours agoPolice rescue abducted officer in Abuja
-
News23 hours agoAfter Dangote’s price slash, NNPC Ltd follows suit reduces petrol price
-
Entertainment7 hours agoSad! Dolly Parton’s husband Carl Dean is dead
-
News7 hours agoPDP’s failure, Tinubu’s reforms have paved way for APC in Delta, says Omo-Agege
-
News17 hours agoUS based foundation offers detained Anambra witch doctors legal services