Al-Mustapha, who is abroad, has however reacted through his counsel Barrister Olalekan Ojo, challenging Obasanjo to produce evidence to support this claim.In the 18-page letter to the President, Obasanjo said Jonathan interfered with the court process to set a murderer free, and organised a presidential reception for him. In his reaction, Al-Mustapha’s counsel Ojo told Abuja-headquartered newspaper, Daily Trust that:
“To the best of my knowledge, President Jonathan never organised or sponsored any welcome rally to Al-Mustapha after his release. The impression (of Obasanjo’s letter) is that the Court of Appeal caved into pressure from President Jonathan, to that extent, the comment is disturbing, worrisome and unwarranted.
The judiciary should be left alone and not be dragged into politics. The Justices of the Court of Appeal in Lagos that sat over the case are jurists of impeccable character and it is not fair for anybody, no matter how well-placed, to attack the integrity of these judges. We challenge Obasanjo to produce evidence of such interference to make it available to the public.”
Ojo added: “My client was discharged and acquitted on the merit of his appeal. Majority of those who commented on the judgment expressed satisfaction. It is most unfortunate that a person like OBJ could accuse the President of using his exalted office for such a sinister and morally reprehensible thing. It must be stated that if OBJ has any issue to settle with the President, he should not drag Al Mustapha into it.
At no time has he been involved in any such thing. It is totally false. Al-Mustapha is earnestly committed to the promotion of peace and harmony in Nigeria. It is most unfair that such an allegation should be made against him. It is an attempt to give a dog a bad name to hang him. When Al-Mustapha returns (from abroad) he will make a fuller response”.
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