‘Terrorism’: Court grants Adeleke’s appointee N50m bail

A federal high court in Osogbo, Osun state capital, has granted N50 million bail to one Olalekan Oyeyemi.

Oyeyemi, who is popularly known as “Emir”, is a serving member of the Osun park management system under the administration of Ademola Adeleke, the governor of the state.

He was arraigned on a 10-count bordering on conspiracy, malicious damage, unlawful killing and acts of terrorism.

Oyeyemi and others said to be at large are alleged to have terrorised some supporters of the All Progressive Congress (APC) and other residents, killing one Muraina Olayiwola at Orita CMS in Osogbo, the state capital, on February 27, 2022.

Edmund Biriomoni, counsel to the defendant, had filed a bail application for his client after he pleaded not guilty to all the counts.

At the last court session on March 19, Nathaniel Ayo-Emmanuel, the presiding judge, said a date for ruling on the bail application would be communicated to parties in the suit.

Oyeyemi was returned to Ilesa Correctional Centre where he has been held since his first appearance in court on February 1.

Ruling on the bail application at the resumed court session on Tuesday, Ayo-Emmanuel said the prosecutor failed to provide sufficient evidence to stop the court from granting the request.

He said the prosecution was still making efforts to bring the evidence to support the charges levelled against the defendant, seven months after his arrest.

 Consequently, the judge granted the defendant bail in the sum of N50 million with two sureties in like sum.

The judge said one of the sureties must be a government-recognised traditional ruler in Osun state.

He also said the second surety should be a level 17 civil servant or member of the national assembly.

He also added that the sureties must reside within the jurisdiction of the court and ordered the defendant to file an affidavit that he would be of good behaviour with a promise not to be involved in any act that could jeopardise the case.

The case has been adjourned to May 16 for the commencement of trial.