Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has raised concerns over the handling of the case involving human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi.
The New Daily Prime earlier reported that a Magistrate Court sitting in Ado Ekiti remanded Farotimi, in prison custody over an alleged defamation case against the founder of Afe Babalola University, Aare Afe Babalola.
Reacting to the development on his X page on Wednesday, the former Anambra State Governor described Farotimi’s remand in prison as a violation of democratic principles, emphasising the importance of freedom of expression and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
“It is disheartening to hear that Dele Farotimi has been remanded in prison over a defamation allegation. This development raises serious concerns about justice and freedom of expression in our country,” Obi said, adding that such cases undermine the rule of law and democratic norms.

Obi criticised the Nigeria Police for prioritising what he termed a civil matter over the rising wave of criminal activities across the country.
“It is curious that the police, who are grappling with a barrage of crimes, now rush to court at the speed of light over civil complaints,” he said.
READ ALSO: Miss Universe: Obi congratulates Chidinma Adetshina
Highlighting the challenges facing Nigeria, Obi pointed out that national attention should focus on pressing issues such as insecurity, corruption, and economic difficulties.
He decried the use of defamation cases as tools for intimidation, stressing that such matters should remain civil and not be weaponized to suppress dissent.
“The strength of any democracy lies in its ability to tolerate differing opinions and uphold the rule of law without bias. Matters of defamation should be handled as civil issues, not as a means to erode fundamental rights,” he said.
He called on authorities to ensure impartial justice and prioritise addressing Nigeria’s pressing security and socio-economic challenges.