Court admits Igboho’s associates to N10m, N5m bail

• Court refrains DSS, AGF from harassing activist
• Adams, others applaud Egwuatu’s judgment

The Federal High Court, Abuja, yesterday, granted bail to 12 Sunday Igboho’s associates held in the Department of State Services’ (DSS) custody since July 2, 2021.

The trial judge, Justice Obiora Egwuatu, admitted the applicants to bail while ruling in their applications filed to that effect.
The judge, who held that there was no charge against the applicants, however, admitted four of the applicants to bail in the sum of N10 million each with two sureties in like sum, while the remaining eight were granted bail in the sum of N5 million with one surety each.

The four applicants granted N10 million bail are: Amudat Babatunde (a.k.a. Lady K), Okoyemi Tajudeen, Abideen Shittu and Jamiu Oyetunji.

Others admitted to N5 million bail are: Abdulateef Onaolapo, Tajudeen Erinoye, Diekola Jubril, Ayobami Donald, Uthman Adelabu, Oluwafemi Kunle, Raji Kazeem and Bamidele Sunday.

One of the sureties, the court held, must be an employee of the Federal Government on Grade Level 12 and above. The sureties, who must be resident in Abuja and have property, must swear to an affidavit of means.

Justice Egwuatu also ordered that the title deeds of the said property must be verified by the court registrar and the DSS in addition to evidence of three years tax payment.

The sureties are also to submit all travel documents to the court. Meanwhile, the four applicants were also ordered to report to the DSS on the first Monday of every month for the next three months.

The judge, in addition, held that the four applicants should remain in the custody of the DSS pending the perfection of their bail conditions.

MEANWHILE, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Abiodun Adams, has applauded Justice Egwuatu’s ruling for granting the 12 aides of Igboho bail.

Adams, in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Kehinde Aderemi, described the judgment as a reflection of people’s hope in the judiciary.

Also, Secretary-General of Coalition of Yoruba Self-determination groups, Dr. Steve Abioye, said: “It is a welcome development.”
In the same vein, a former Ambassador to the Philippines, Dr. Yemi Farounbi, said: “It is good that after the unnecessary delay, the court has risen up to the expectation.”

IN another development, an Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan, yesterday, restrained the DSS and the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), from intimidating, harassing and freezing the bank accounts of Igboho.

The order followed the ex-parte motion moved by Igboho’s lawyer, Chief Yomi Alliyu, seeking N500 billion damages for the invasion of Igboho’s residence in Ibadan on July 1, 2021.

The motion was granted by Justice Ladiran Akintola. The presiding judge said the prayers sought by Chief Alliyu were granted, ordering the DSS and attorney-general to comply with the interim orders. The case has been adjourned till August 18, 2021.