Bayelsa gov candidate regains freedom — after 26 days in detention

A federal high court in Abuja has granted bail to Vijah Opuama, candidate of the Liberation Movement (LM) in the November governorship election in Bayelsa.

Opuama had petitioned the governorship election petitions tribunal seeking the removal of Douye Diri as governor.

He had contended that Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, deputy governor of the state, forged his declaration of age and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate to enable him contest the election.

But on August 15, 2020, the police arrested him within the premises of the court while waiting for judgment to be delivered on his petition.

Two weeks after, Taiwo Taiwo, presiding judge, ordered Mohammed Adamu, inspector-general of police (IGP), to bring Opuama before the court following an ex parte application moved by Michael Odey, his lawyer.

After three court orders, the IGP finally complied and Opuama was brought before the court from Suleja prison in Niger state on September 9.

An upper area court in Zuba, Abuja, had ordered his remand after the police filed charges bordering on resistance of arrest against him.

At the court session on Thursday, Taiwo granted N100,000 bail to Opuama.

The judge ordered the police not to detain the applicant in respect of the case, saying he should only visit the police twice a week, in the company of his lawyer.

Taiwo further directed the police to conclude its investigations within 14 days and file charges against Opuma if need be.

Consequently, the judge ordered officials of the Nigerian Correctional Services (NCS) to release the applicant to his lawyer.