A Federal High Court in Osogbo, Osun State, has approved a bail application of N50 million for Olalekan Oyeyemi, an appointee of the state governor, Ademola Adeleke.
The bail requires two sureties of equal value, one of whom must be a traditional ruler in the state, while the other must be a level-17 civil servant or a member of the National Assembly.
Oyeyemi, also known as ‘Emir,’ serves in the Osun Park Management System and is currently facing trial on ten charges, including conspiracy, malicious damage, unlawful killing, and acts of terrorism.
He has pleaded not guilty to these charges.
His lawyer, Edmund Biriomoni, filed a formal bail application on his behalf.
During the previous court session on Thursday, March 19, the presiding judge, N. Ayo-Emmanuel, postponed the ruling on the bail application and counter application for Oyeyemi, popularly known as Emir.
The judge informed the parties that the date for the next session would be communicated to them. Subsequently, Oyeyemi was returned to the Ilesa Correctional Centre, where he has been held since his initial court appearance 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.
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.
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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.
