Terrorism: Court grants Adeleke’s appointee N50m bail with two sureties

A Federal High Court sitting in Osogbo, Osun State has granted one Olalekan Oyeyemi, an appointee of the state governor, Ademola Adeleke N50m bail application with two sureties in like sum.

The sureties the judge said must include a traditional ruler in the state and a level-17 civil servant or member of the National Assembly as second surety.

Oyeyemi, also known as ‘Emir’ is a serving member of Osun Park Management System with others at large and is standing trial on a 10-count that included, conspiracy, malicious damage, unlawful killing and acts of terrorism, had pleaded not guilty, while his counsel, Edmund Biriomoni, filed a formal bail application for his release.

At the penultimate sitting on the matter, held on Thursday, March 19, the presiding judge, N. Ayo-Emmanuel, adjourned ruling on the bail application and counter application for Oyeyemi, popularly known as Emir and told the parties that the date for the next sitting would be communicated to them.

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

The count pressed against the defendant partly read, “That you, Oyeyemi Olalekan a.k.a. Emir and cohorts now at large on or about 27th day of February 2022 at Orita CMS, Osogbo, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, while acting in concert conspired together to commit felony to wit: Acts of Terrorism by moving well arm to create fear in minds of the residents and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 26(1)(a) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

“That you Oyeyemi Olalekan a.k.a. Emir and others now at large on or about the 27th day of February 2022, at Orita CMS, Osogbo, Osun State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, while acting in concert conspired together to commit felony to wit: Acts of Terrorism by being armed with guns, terrorising All Progressive Congress supporters and other residents, attacked to kill one Muraina Olayiwole ‘m’ and Tope ‘m’. You thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 26(1) (a) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

“That you Oyeyemi Olalekan a.k.a. Emir and others now at large on or about the 27th day of February 2022 at Orita CMS, Osogbo, Osun State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, based on political differences unlawfully killed Muraina Olayiwole ‘m’ by shooting him.”

However, the application was opposed by Rabiu Usman, the prosecutor from the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters, Abuja, saying he would need to file a formal response.

At the resumed sitting on Tuesday, Justice Ayo-Emmanuel in his ruling, said the prosecutor, failed to provide sufficient evidence to stop the court from granting the application.

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

He thereafter admitted him to bail in the sum of N50 million with two sureties in the same amount.

Also, one of the sureties must be a government-recognized traditional ruler in Osun State.

The Judge 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.

He then adjourned the case till May 16 for trial.